The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, on Thursday organised an exhibition of high-value textile products crafted by artisans and weavers from Kashmir at S.K. Park, Srinagar, to commemorate National Handloom Day.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, in the presence of Development Officer, Textiles, Arjumand Yaqub, AD Srinagar Sadia Ahmed, PEO Riyaz Ahmad Kawoosa and other senior officers.
A department spokesperson said the occasion was used to encourage buyers and art lovers to support the ‘Be Vocal for Local’ campaign aimed at helping artisans and weavers become self-sustained. A large number of visitors attended the exhibition and purchased handcrafted Pashmina, Kani and Sozni shawls.
During his visit to the stalls, the Director interacted with artisans and weavers and encouraged them to get their products tested and labelled at the Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC), CDI Srinagar. He also urged tourists and buyers to insist on QR-coded GI products to counter counterfeit products being sold as genuine handmade items.
The Director stressed the importance of aesthetic packaging for high-value Pashmina and Kani shawls to enhance their brand value. The department, under RAMP, is soon organising capacity-building workshops in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging, New Delhi.
The department also highlighted Srinagar’s distinction as a Craft City notified by the World Craft Council and as a UNESCO City under its Creative Cities Network.
(JJ News Desk)
