Born in 1938, in Srinagar; AK Raina gave up studies to join School Of Arts in Trivandrum, Kerela. He started his career as a craftsman, began painting, and was selected by the National Institute of Designs, Ahmedabad, for a training program of "Craft Design" in 1981.
He is the Founder Member of Kashmir Artists, Guild, and was elected Secretary KAG. He participated in the Annual Art Exhibition, Academy of Fine Arts, Calcutta; Annual Art Exhibition of All India Art Crafts Society, New Delhi; Bombay Art Society Annual Art Exhibition; Annual Art Exhibition, J & K Academy of Art; Culture and languages, Srinagar – Jammu; Rashtriya Kala Mela LKA, and National Exhibition of Art LKA in New Delhi.
Raina was also awarded the "State Annual Art Exhibition", and "Lalded Award" in Srinagar; "Honourable Mention National Exhibition of Art Lalit Kala Academy", New Delhi; "Mira Kala Samman", Indore; "Kalhan Award for Life Time Achievement", Kashmiri Samiti, Indore; and "Senior Fellowship" (Painting) Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India (2000-2001). He takes pride in many private and public collections including museums and institutions in India and abroad.