Bidar, 10 June

Renowned Bidri artist and Padma Shri awardee Sha Rasheed Ahmad Khadri was hospitalised due to a kidney-related ailment and is facing severe financial difficulties, unable to bear the cost of medical treatment.

Two years ago, he was diagnosed with kidney problems and had undergone surgery. Since then, he has been undergoing dialysis thrice a week. Recently, his kidney condition worsened again, and due to his deteriorating health, he was admitted to a hospital in the city. As his condition further declined, he was shifted to Care Hospital in Hyderabad for advanced treatment.

Appeal for Government Support

His family appealed to the government for financial support.

“I have written to the district minister explaining my father’s critical condition. But we’ve received no response so far. If the government extends help, our father can survive,” said Farhan Sha Rasheed Ahmad Khadri, his elder son.

“Governments of Odisha and Telangana have provided Rs 25 lakh in cash to their Padma Shri awardees and offer a monthly pension of Rs 25,000. If the State government could offer similar support, it would help cover my hospital expenses.” Sha Rasheed Ahmad Khadri had said.

Sha Rasheed Ahmad Khadri, popularly known as the “Bidri Master”, is credited with taking traditional Bidri art to international audiences.