Srinagar- Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council, an official spokesman said here.
The recognition would boost the handloom and handicraft sector, which will benefit tourism and infrastructure development, the spokesman said.
“This prestigious honour underscores the city’s rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans whose dedication and artistry have earned global acclaim,” the spokesman said Sunday evening.
A letter from the World Craft Council reveals that capital city Srinagar has been recognised as a ‘World Craft City’.
“On the behalf of Mr. Saad al-Qaddumi, World Craft Council AISBL, president, The WCC AISBL Executive Board, The WCC Sub Committee, and the jury members, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the government, the citizens and the craftspeople of the Srinagar City (India) as a WCC-World Craft City,” the letter said.
“This Designation has been approved by the WCL AISBL, Executive Board and The WCC Sub-committee members based on the evaluation report submitted by the jurors,” it added.
Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir Mahmood Ahmad Shah told KNO that the government received the certificate from WCC on Sunday.
He said the government had applied for the title back in 2021 following which the council inducted inspections within the city.
“In April this year, the team of the World Craft Council visited Srinagar. After inspection, they went back and submitted a report to the World Craft Council. Yesterday, we received a certificate of World Craft City,” Shah said.
“The good thing is that we got recognition both in textile and non-textile crafts,” he added.
The director of handicrafts and handloom said the title will promote the city as the world craft destination, thereby benefiting the entire industry.
“It will help us project Srinagar as an international craft destination. People from different parts of the world will come over here to see the craft,” he said.
Meanwhile the artisan community is jubilant, saying their hard work and efforts from the government “finally bore fruits”.
“This is really good news for the artisan community of Kashmir. After UNESCO’s creative city title, this is the second biggest achievement for our city. This is going to benefit the artisans community in the long run. It will lead to the boom in the craft and will promote our valley for its historic crafts,” Musadiq Shah, Senior Vice-president Kashmir Pashmina Organisation said.
He said the recognition will help the government as well the stakeholders in reviving various ancient and historic crafts of Kashmir.
Committed To Supporting Our Artisans: LG
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that Srinagar’s recognition as ‘World Craft City’ is a testament to the hard work and exceptional talent of artisans and it highlights the cultural richness of Srinagar.
“We are committed to supporting our artisans and ensuring that this accolade translates into tangible benefits for the community,” he said.
Sinha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown steadfast support for Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft and handloom sector.
The recognition as a ‘World Craft City’ will have a transformative impact on the handloom and handicraft sector, fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation.
With increased global recognition, Srinagar’s crafts will gain enhanced visibility on the international stage, opening up new markets and opportunities for artisans, the spokesman said.
The sector is likely to attract greater investment and funding, aiding in infrastructure development and introducing modern techniques while preserving traditional methods, he said.
“Artisans will have access to advanced training programmes and workshops, further honing their skills and fostering innovation in their craft. The increase in demand for Srinagar’s unique crafts is expected to boost production, leading to job creation and improved livelihoods for artisans and their families,” he said.
Tourism in Srinagar is also set to benefit significantly from this recognition. The city is expected to draw more tourists interested in cultural and craft heritage, providing them with immersive experiences of the vibrant artisan communities, the spokesman said.
He said the city’s cultural and craft heritage will attract tourists seeking authentic experiences, including visits to artisan workshops and cultural events showcasing Srinagar’s vibrant crafts.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the J&K Hotelier Club and Chief Patton CCIK Mushtaq Chaya and CCIK President Tariq Ghani expressed their heartfelt congratulations to the artisans, business community, and all residents of Jammu & Kashmir on the remarkable recognition of Srinagar as World Craft City by World Craft Council.
“This accolade is a testament to the unparalleled skill and dedication of our local artisans, whose work continues to captivate the world. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in the promotion of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship,” a statement reads.
They also extended their deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, for their unwavering support and visionary leadership that have made this achievement possible.
“This recognition is expected to provide a substantial boost to the artisans, the business community, and the tourism industry in the region. By highlighting Srinagar’s unique crafts on the global stage, we anticipate increased opportunities for our local artists and craftsmen, fostering greater economic growth and cultural exchange,” the statement said.
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