Srinagar, Nov 26 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday said that there is no match to the Kashmir’s handicrafts and handloom products. He said that in the past 50 months, his administration’s efforts have been to ensure global recognition to the artists and their art while as World Crafts Council (WCC) event in Srinagar is a step towards that very direction.
Addressing the 60th anniversary celebration of the World Crafts Council (WCC) at Srinagar, the LG as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the efforts of the Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Industries & Commerce J&K, World Crafts Council (WCC) to celebrate the rich traditions of handicrafts, handloom and to bring together distinguished artisans, designers, creative leaders and other stakeholders from across the globe.
“My dream is to make "Made in Jammu Kashmir" creative products famous and integral part of the households across the world. Our aim is to also focus on global cooperation and improve people's connect for these priceless artistic and cultural heritage of India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said over the past 50 months, his administration has worked hard to ensure J&K craft and craftsmen get a global recognition. “I believe WCC in Srinagar is a right step towards that direction,” he said. “Srinagar has been made a city of dreams and hope.”
The LG said that several key initiatives like notification of J&K Wool Processing, Handicrafts and Handloom Policy 2020, Financial Support Scheme for Cooperatives and Self- Help Group, Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, Karkhandar Scheme, revival of tradition of Craft Bazar, Initiative for seal of authenticity, QR code for carpets, modern packaging, Building craft clusters and promotion of cooperative societies etc are the testament to our strong resolve towards the holistic development and empowering our talented artisans, and entrepreneurs.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the commitment of the government for integrated development with a specific focus on increasing employment opportunities across the Union Territory and export promotion of Handloom and Handicraft products.
“We are also working on integrating crafts into tourism and positioning Jammu Kashmir as a prime cultural destination to attract international visitors and providing a fillip to tourism industry in order to strengthen the local economy,” he said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called for active participation of all the artisans at the grassroot levels to make Jammu Kashmir self-reliant. He also assured all the support and assistance from the government to the artisans and entrepreneurs to address their legitimate concerns to further promote the growth and competitiveness of Handloom and Handicrafts sector.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to Indian Craft Pioneer and one of the founders of World Crafts Council Smt. Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay and recalled her important contribution to promotion of handicrafts and cooperative grassroot movements for social and economic upliftment of women and crafts-people.
Speaking on the occasion, Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi, President World Crafts Council International, said the World Crafts Council is embarking on a journey to position Srinagar as a global hub for crafts through several upcoming initiatives.
The event also witnessed the launch of "Seal of Authenticity of the Craft" aimed at maintaining the beauty and ingenuity of creative products.
The Lieutenant Governor visited the Craft Exhibition and inspected the stalls put up by the local, national and international artisans. He also felicitated the Artisans who have excelled in their respective areas of crafts. World Crafts Council City Book highlighting the milestone of 60 years of its journey was also released—(KNO)