The Tailor of Shivpora

Born deaf and mute, Parvaiz Naikoo stitched his way from silence to community leadership, training dozens and reshaping what it means to live with dignity in Kashmir.

- Gowher Bhat

In the busy lanes of Srinagar’s Shivpora area, a modest tailoring shop hums with activity. The soft scrape of scissors, the steady thrum of a sewing machine, and the flick of measuring tape fill the air. Behind the counter, Parvaiz Naikoo works in complete silence.

Born deaf and mute, Naikoo has built his life not with words, but with the language of his hands.

His story is not widely known outside his neighbourhood, but those who have met him understand why he is regarded as a remarkable figure in Srinagar.

“People say disability is a weakness,” said Firdous Ahmad, one of his long-time clients. “But when you see Parvaiz bhai work, you realize strength has nothing to do with what we can or cannot hear.”

Naikoo, now in his early forties, grew up facing layers of silence. In his childhood home, conversations floated past him. School was nearly impossible. Without the ability to hear teachers or speak to classmates, he was often left out, sitting at the back, observing. His world became one of watching and absorbing.

“My father used to worry,” said his younger brother, Bilal Naikoo. “He would wonder what Parvaiz would do, how he would survive.”

Survive he did. And more.