Ahmad Sarmast

Ahmad Sarmast is an Afghan musician and educator dedicated to preserving and promoting Afghanistan’s rich musical heritage. He founded the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) to provide young Afghans with access to formal music education, fostering cultural pride and peace through arts. Sarmast’s work aims to counter extremism and conflict by nurturing talented musicians and encouraging tolerance. Despite facing threats and challenges, including an attack on his institute in 2014, he remains committed to using music as a tool for social change and reconciliation in Afghanistan.