In the heart of Srinagar, where the serene Dal Lake mirrors the towering Himalayas, a young woman has folded her way into history. Meet Rutba Showkat, an 18-year-old Kashmiri girl whose name now shines in the Guinness World Record books. On a crisp day in 2025, Rutba achieved the extraordinary feat of crafting 250 origami paper boats in just one hour—a record that not only showcases her dexterity but also her unyielding spirit. This isn’t just a story about paper folding; it’s about a teenager from Kashmir who turned a quiet passion into a global triumph, inspiring countless others along the way.

A Childhood Shaped by Art and Athletics

Rutba’s story begins in Khayam, a bustling neighborhood in Srinagar. Born into a supportive family, she grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture of Kashmir—its music, its crafts, its resilience. From a young age, Rutba was a whirlwind of energy. She wasn’t just content with one pursuit; she excelled in many. A national-level martial artist, she’s collected over 60 medals, including gold, in state and national championships. Her room, adorned with trophies, tells the tale of a girl who thrives on challenge. But alongside her athletic prowess, Rutba nurtured a quieter passion: art.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world slowed down and her martial arts academies shuttered, Rutba turned to creativity. “All the academies were closed, so I started exploring art,” she recalls in an interview. What began as doodling landscapes soon evolved into a fascination with origami—the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. Little did she know, this hobby would lead her to a Guinness World Record.

The Spark of a Dream

Rutba’s journey to the Guinness World Record wasn’t an overnight leap. It started with a smaller victory: a place in the India Book of Records. That achievement planted a seed. “I got my name registered in the India Book of Records, and that was the moment I decided to aim for something bigger,” she says. The idea of a global stage captivated her. She began researching Guinness records, poring over the requirements, and practicing relentlessly. Origami, with its demand for precision and patience, became her canvas.

Her choice of challenge? Folding the most origami boats in one hour. The previous record stood at 150 boats—a formidable benchmark. But Rutba, with her athlete’s discipline and artist’s finesse, was undeterred. “I saw origami and thought, ‘This is what I’ve been doing for so long,’” she explains. For three years, she applied, failed twice, and refined her technique. Each setback only fueled her resolve. “Hard work never disappoints,” she says, a mantra that carried her to the finish line.

The Day of the Record

Imagine the scene: Rutba seated at a table, stacks of paper at her side, the clock ticking. Four boats a minute—one every 15 seconds. That’s the pace she needed to maintain. Precision was key; each fold had to be perfect, each boat a tiny testament to her skill. “I had to work at speed while keeping every boat exact,” she told Rising Kashmir. Her hands moved like a metronome, folding, creasing, shaping—250 times in 60 minutes.

On that day in Srinagar, Rutba didn’t just break the record; she shattered it. The official Guinness World Record certificate reads: “The most origami boats made in one hour is 250, achieved by Rutba Showkat (India) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.” It was a moment of triumph, not just for her but for her family, who’d supported her every step of the way. She’d kept the attempt a secret, wanting to surprise them. “My parents have always been my biggest support system,” she says, her voice warm with gratitude. When the news broke, her mother beamed with pride, calling it a victory for Rutba’s determination.

A Human Story of Grit and Grace

Rutba’s Guinness World Record is more than a number—it’s a human story. She faced skepticism along the way. “A lot of people criticized me and said I was wasting my time,” she admits. In a region where traditional expectations can weigh heavy, especially on young women, Rutba’s path wasn’t always smooth. But her family’s unwavering belief kept her grounded. “They supported me when others doubted,” she says. That support, paired with her own tenacity, turned doubters into admirers.

Her journey resonates deeply in Kashmir, a place of breathtaking beauty and complex challenges. The valley has seen its share of turmoil, yet its youth—like Rutba—are rewriting the narrative. She’s not just a martial artist or an origami prodigy; she’s a calligrapher, a painter, a dreamer. “I hope my success inspires young people in Kashmir to pursue their dreams,” she says. “With hard work and consistency, you can do anything.”

Breaking Barriers for Kashmiri Girls

Rutba’s Guinness World Record carries a broader significance. Kashmiri girls are increasingly making their mark—whether in sports, business, or art—and Rutba stands as a beacon. “Girls are shy or stopped by families, but I think they should be independent,” she asserts. Her story challenges stereotypes, proving that talent knows no gender or geography. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the global stage, Rutba has shown that a small start can lead to monumental heights.

Her achievement also highlights the power of art in unexpected places. Origami, often seen as a niche craft, became Rutba’s bridge to the world. It’s a reminder that passion, no matter how quiet, can roar when given a chance. “Even if they have to start small, they should,” she urges other girls. It’s a message that echoes beyond Kashmir, touching anyone who’s ever hesitated to chase a dream.

The Ripple Effect

Since earning her Guinness World Record, Rutba’s life has transformed. She’s become a local hero, her story splashed across headlines from Zee News to WION. Social media buzzes with admiration—posts on X celebrate her as “Kashmir’s pride.” But she remains humble. “This success is as much my family’s as mine,” she insists. Her room, once a gallery of martial arts trophies, now holds a new treasure: that iconic Guinness certificate.

What’s next for Rutba? She’s not one to rest on her laurels. With her multifaceted talents, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps another record, a new art form, or inspiring others through her journey. “No goal is too big if you work for it,” she says, a spark in her words. For now, she’s basking in the joy of a dream realized—and the knowledge that she’s lit a path for others.

A Personal Reflection

Writing about Rutba feels personal. Her story isn’t just about a Guinness World Record; it’s about the quiet courage of an 18-year-old who dared to dream big. I think of my own hesitations, the times I’ve doubted a small passion could lead somewhere. Rutba’s journey reminds me—and maybe you—that every fold, every step, counts. She’s not a distant figure; she’s someone relatable, someone who turned a lockdown pastime into a legacy. What’s your origami—what’s the small thing you could nurture into something extraordinary?

Inspired by Rutba Showkat’s incredible journey to a Guinness World Record? Share her story with someone who needs a spark of motivation. Subscribe to our blog for more tales of grit and triumph from around the world—let’s celebrate the dreamers together!