Testimonials - Words of Appreciation

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar , Maharana of Udaipur

The Splendor of Kashmir is a sincere endeavor by Mrs. Varuna Anand to promote the age-old art of Shawl-making from Kashmir. They bring to you the finest and best of Kashmiri workmanship.

It is an endeavor which balances not only the promotion of the art of shawl-making but also focuses on the well-being of the ever-so deserving craftsmen.

In many ways they are building bridges between the creative craftsmen and the genuine lovers/patrons of the famed art of shawl-making from Kashmir.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar ,The Maharana of Udaipur

Dr Farooq Abdullah
Prince Richard Holkar

These shawls are without a doubt the finest being made in Kashmir today! Bravo! to the Anand’s for preserving these varied skills of the Kashmiri shawl makers.

Prince Richard Holkar, son of the Maharaja of Indore

Justice A S Anand
MS Sara Pilot

It is always a pleasure to see Varuna Anand’s shawls. One is always spoilt for choice with her wonderful creativity and beautiful colours. She does an amazing job of recreating some of the old designs that would otherwise be lost forever, and blending them with new and modern techniques. The results are shawls which are rarely seen anymore today, with the finest pashmina and the finest embroidery. Thanks to Varuna, there is hope that our incredible Kashmiri shawls will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come.

Ms. Sara Pilot ,Chairperson CEQUIN

Princess Bhargavi Kumari Mewar

“Have loved and thoroughly enjoyed wearing your exquisitely crafted pieces of art Varuna Anand!”

Wishing you every success for the future!

Princess Bhargavi Kumari Mewar

Mrs. Prachi Sinha, Business woman, formerly Commissioner of Income Tax

Dear Varunaji,

When I first opened the packet of shawls you had sent me, I was dumbstruck and actually lost for words.

Here, before me was something as soft as silk, light as a feather (or nearly so!) and so beautifully embroidered that it was hard to believe that this fine workmanship was actually done by hand. The pattern was dense, yet each and every stitch had its own identity and together they shone like a tapestry woven on silk.

More awaited me when I opened the packet for my second shawl. What I held in my hand was actually beyond beautiful, such a symphony of colors and patterns, so finely brought together, vibrant, playful,rich and so very versatile. I don’t think I have ever seen a more beautiful piece of art. My salutations to the artist who has so painstakingly crafted my paisley patterned natural white shawl. I can say, without doubt, that particular piece will remain unsurpassed in my mind as the most beautiful hand-made article that I have or ever will hold.

Thank you so much for helping me select the most beautiful pieces of Pashmina that I can ever collect.

But, most of all, I feel lucky to have discovered a friend in you for life.

I wish you the very best in your endeavor and appreciate your efforts to keep the difficult art of shawl-making alive in the artisans of our beautiful Kashmir.

Yours sincerely,

Prachi Sinha

Mrs. Prachi Sinha, Business woman, formerly Commissioner of Income Tax

Ruchi Ghanashyam, High Commissioner of India to South Africa

Thanks to all the artisans of Jammu and Kashmir for the joy they give to so many people with their beautiful creations.

Thanks also to Varuna Anand and “The Splendor of Kashmir” for bringing their creations to us.

Ruchi Ghanashyam, High Commissioner of India to South Africa

Dr. Kunwarani Ritu Singh

“Are these shawls? Or are they dreams that have been woven with the myriad hues of gossamer threads by fingers with deftness beyond imagination! Or creations that wrap you in centuries of our cultural heritage in an art so refined that it whispers tales handed down through generations. It is like wrapping a piece of our proud tradition in all its elegance. And the silver lining is the assurance of quality, integrity and dedication that each Splendor Of Kashmir shawl embodies. Thanks Varuna for your wonderful effort!”

Sonali Basu Parekh, New Delhi

Jaisey Thanda means Coca-Cola…….For me the Best Shawls collection means “The Splendor of Kashmir”

Pradeep Dutta, Bureau Chief, Times Now J&K

Shawls from The Splendor of Kashmir are an embodiment of the most intricate embroidery,enchanting designs ,vibrant hues with unmatched quality of the ever so soft pashmina.A treasure in my wardrobe each  time I glance at them is a perfect eye refreshment! SOK is creativity at its best and I eagerly wait to see their shawls at each exhibition and enhance my collection.

Vindhya Bhardwaj, New Delhi

I wanted to thank you Varuna, for the stunningly beautiful shawls that I received from you. The embroidery is extremely fine & the Pashmina feels so light & warm compared to the other shawls I have. I specially loved the gold & white bag each shawl came in as they are perfect for storing them in. Your shawls are so gorgeous that I wish I could buy them all!! Wishing you the best in your endeavors of this beautiful art & with the weavers of Kashmir. Best, Malika Varma, U.S.A

Malika Verma, U.S.A.

Shawls by Varuna Anand sold under the brand “The Splendor of Kashmir” are purely a work of an artist and are beautiful heirlooms to treasure!! Ever since I came across them via their social media Facebook page, I have only bought from and worn shawls by her! In fact, I have learned so much more about the cultural heritage of the various types of embroidery, weaves, and patterns of the Pashmina shawls since coming in contact with Varuna! Pick any piece and it’s an absolute stunner and has a unique elegance to it!! One just keeps wanting more and more!! I absolutely love all of my collection from The Splendor of Kashmir!!

Ashwinder Rana, U.S.A.

When I’m looking for Shawls there r many things that come to mind-reliability, authenticity, fine workmanship and exclusivity. Varuna has managed to meet these expectations. It is indeed always a pleasure interacting with her.

Sita Sacher,Gurgaon

So thrilled that I discovered this wonderful company and its wonderful owner Varuna Anand. I live in USA and am obsessed with Pashmina! Varunaji made it so easy for me to find the shawl I wanted after I described what I was looking for. She sent me several photos online and was very patient with me as I kept changing my mind. But once I ordered my shawl, I had it within 4 days! It came beautifully wrapped in an embroidered case and was in perfect condition! She also included a certificate of authenticity.!
Thank you Varunaji for preserving,maintaining and promoting our national heritage! This is my first purchase but not my last!

NAMRATA AHUJA
U.S.A

I am so glad that I discovered Varuna Anand and her company ‘The Splendor of Kashmir’. I am mesmerized by her collection. Though I am very familiar with this form of artistic work, Varunaji’s collection left me spellbound. It’s not just the embroidery, it’s the absolutely beautiful choice of colors used for the threads. Kudos to Varuna for designing and working with the artisans to produce such pieces of art. The quality of pashmina used is excellent. Having to order online, it took a few rounds back and forth and of course making up my mind which one to buy, it was a very seamless process. I wish I can buy them all. The beautiful shawl arrived in 3 days packed very carefully.

Thank you so much.

Neeta Kaul Bhat, USA

Increasingly, we seem to be moving towards a world, where Economics and Survival is assuming greater importance than Aesthetics and life forces. A world where our focus on physical and material life is ever increasing than the much needed involvement in experiencing the etheric, astral and will forces within ourselves to evolve as a being.

At times I wonder if being a woman gives us, a natural inheritance of these subtleties by design of the socio-cultural structure around us. It feels proud to be a gender that represents the strength of the ‘Feminine’ – encompassing true essence of ‘Energy’, ‘Power’, ‘Courage’, ‘Patience’, ‘Reverence’ and ‘Love’ which are virtues gradually depleting in today’s way of life. History has witnessed several inspirational women leaders who have not just identified, but lived their ‘Authentic Power’, irrespective of failures and adversities, thereby carving their way to phenomenal success for self and the society at large.

Very recently, in one of the Women Group Forums, I got introduced to one such Powerful lady. Varuna Anand, a well known and successful textile designer has endeavoured to promote the age old art of Pashmina Shawl making from Kashmir, while focussing on well-being of the ever deserving craftsmen. Varuna, is an example of a remarkable story of self evolution, transformation and graceful success despite adversities. Someone has rightly said, “At times problems are not too big. We are too small, because we cannot handle them”. I remember Varuna saying: “Life unfolds. However, to be able to receive something in life, we first need to learn the art of giving.”

With the loss of her husband, and being left with 2 young children, this brave lady decided to rise independently. While being fired by passion, yet grounded by humility, she has been able to evolve a niche irreplaceable space for herself in an industry, which has been largely dominated by the male gender. Her commitment to her work, quality and service ensures a strong clientele of notable people from the country.

In this perfectly imperfect world, life isn’t a bed of roses for anybody. I’ve seen several women in corporate, give up on their passion – either being overwhelmed by adversities or undermining their true power to clear the knots. It takes pride & belief in self, coupled with determination, grit and power to sail through adversities with grace and poise. While each of us possesses this Authentic Feminine Power, only few are able to experience and realize the same.
Regards,

Sujatha Sudheendra

Head HR – Aditya Birla Finance Ltd.

I received my shawl today and my grandmother was very pleased. She loved it as she did not have a kaani shawl, so it was new to her. Also, the colors are so beautiful. I am very fond of colorful things. I told her the shawl will complement every outfit because of its colorful aspect. Thank you so much for delivering your promise. Your customer service is 👌🏽and I truly appreciate my first time purchase with you. Thank you again
Sincerely,

Namarata Kahlon
USA

The richness of the shawls created by SOK is the closest to perfection that one can get. Varuna’s warm and friendly demeanor makes u feel like ….. THIS DEFINITELY CAN’T BE THE LAST CREATION THAT ONE BUYS…. The exclusivity of designs makes u feel like a million bucks as soon as u drape one across u!!!! STRIKING … BREATHTAKING …SPECTACULAR … That’s The Splendor of Kashmir !!!

Ritika Ratna, Gurgaon

The art in these shawls-want you to keep them for generations to come

Sonali Khanna, Chandigarh

Hi Varuna..it was such a pleasure meeting you….your shawls are all masterpieces and wonderful..just like you…..will be in touch for sure…and thanx a lot for the patience you kept with us…

Seema Narula, Gurgaon

Varuna your  shawls are piece of art with a soft baby touch . Only thing I can say it feels waste of my Money when I look at my old stock which I have not purchased from you . First time I felt the warmth the softness in your shawls . Now I save my money every year to invest in your piece of art so that I can enjoy and pass it to my daughter to enjoy it later . Wish to collect more from you before this precious art dies.

Dr. Nandani Sharma, New Delhi.

Shawls from ‘The Splendor of Kashmir’ – beautiful intricate work; and the material – so light and warm!!!

Mayuri Shah, Mumbai

I have been to the exhibition of shawls by The Splendor of Kashmir. Wow! what masterpieces you got Varuna!. All the best to you.

Maninder Singh Arora, New Delhi