82-yr-old kite maker hopes for better business in near future

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News service

Jammu, August 7

Jagdish Dogra, 82, who is into kite making since the past 70 years, is hopeful that scrapping of Article 370 will bring peace and prosperity in his life, though he has no knowledge about the implications of the decision.

Known as Jagdish guddiyon wala, Dogra is a renowned name in the city, whose flourishing business in kite making and selling draws customers from all over the region.

Dogra, who learned the craft of making kites from his elder brother, said he often used to hear about Article 370 from people around, but he never knew it will be scrapped during his lifetime.

“Customers used to say if it (Article 370) got scrapped, my kites will be sold at higher prices and I will have good earning. In my youth, I used to make 100 kites per day, but now I can make only up to five-six kites a day,” he said.

Resident of Kali Jani, Dogra earlier had a shop in the mohalla itself, which he had to sell off when his only son died in 2009.

“He was my only aide in business, besides a promising cricketer. While playing cricket at Parade Ground, a ball hit him on chest, causing his death,” he said.

Since then, Dogra shifted his business to his house. While kite making and selling is a seasonal occupation, Dogra takes up some other petty works throughout the year to earn his livelihood.

“After my son’s death, my wife also passed away the next year and I was left alone. To earn a living, I take up petty jobs when kite making and selling season is off,” Dogra maintained.

The kite maker purchases raw material, like paper, from Mumbai while the sticks used are cut from bamboo, which he purchases from the local market.