Salemamed belongs to a block printer family of Ajrakhpur. The family is originally from Dhamadka village, and shifted to Ajrakhpur after the death of his mother in the 2001 earthquake. The shift was advantageous also because of the proximity of Ajrakhpur to the market, and the availability of land and water. Salemamed studied up to 7th standard and then joined their family occupation. He learned block printing from his two elder brothers and father. They used to do job work. Then, in the absence of sustainable work, Salemamed migrated to Bombay for 4 years. Having returned, he and his two brothers organized their family business very well and they are able to work independently. Salemamed doesn’t have much exposure to the market. He attended one workshop on colours organized by ICED.

At KRV, Salemamed’s clear and mature thinking was recognized and the students made him President of their class. Salemamed believes that an artisan who has deep knowledge of art and understanding of tradition is a good artisan. He must be a perfectionist as far as his art is concerned. He should love his work and constantly innovate.