Honouring Kashmir’s Pride: LG Manoj Sinha Felicitates Pashmina Artisans at PEMA Awards in Srinagar
I am extremely happy that the master artisans, young artisans and the celebrities who work as support system for artisans and protectors of handicraft tradition and living embodiments of skill have been honoured with prestigious Pashmina Exports and Manufacturers Association (PEMA) awards today, said the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha felicitating J&K’s craftpersons in Srinagar. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to those who have received the award. And if we look at it, this event has played an important role in bringing all the stakeholders on one platform, LG added.
Today, those who have preserved the skills, culture and tradition of many generations are present among us. I am sure that in the times to come, the highest standards of quality established by artisans in the handloom and handicraft sector will definitely inspire a new generation. I am also grateful to the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who has tried to create a conducive environment in the entire country in the last eleven years to promote local, vocal and indigenous products, LG said.
I would also like to assure all the artisans here that many steps have been taken to give a new life to this sector. The tagging has strengthened the brand positioning of Jammu and Kashmir handloom handicrafts internationally. It is true that the exquisite designs of handicrafts like carpets, pashmina, Basohli art, paper mache etc are unmatched. Be it handloom or handicraft, the infinite variety present in all the products amazes people. A lot of work has been done at various levels to spread the word about this beautiful tradition to potential markets. As a result of your cooperation, contribution and the hard work of the administration, Srinagar also got the recognition of Creative City. The entire Jammu and Kashmir has the opportunity to establish itself as a global hub of handicrafts. Apart from this, Srinagar could also get the status of World Craft City. And in collaboration with the World Craft Council, the promotion of crafts in Jammu and Kashmir could also get a new impetus, LG stated.
I know that the Pashmina shawl which you weave from one thread each throughout the year to make it beautiful and decorate it, is not just a product but it also contains your love and feelings. Therefore, I would request the district department to implement marketing and new business platforms so that these products can get a reasonable price. I once again extend my heartiest congratulations to all the award winning artisans and express my heartfelt gratitude to the PEMA and Industries Department and all those who are associated with this event, LG said.
