Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the 60th anniversary celebration of the World Crafts Council (WCC) held in Srinagar . The event, which brought together distinguished artisans, designers, creative leaders, and other stakeholders from around the world, celebrated the rich traditions of handicrafts and handloom. He commended the efforts of the Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Industries and Commerce, J&K, and the World Crafts Council for their dedication to promoting India’s artistic and cultural heritage. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significant steps the government has taken to unlock the full potential of the handloom and handicraft sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. “My dream is to make ‘Made in Jammu Kashmir’ creative products famous and an integral part of households across the world. Our aim is also to focus on global cooperation and improve people’s connection to these priceless artistic and cultural treasures of India,” said the Lieutenant Governor. He outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the government to support the handloom and handicraft sectors, including the J&K Wool Processing, Handicrafts, and Handloom Policy 2020, the Financial Support Scheme for Cooperatives and Self-Help Groups, the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, the Karkhandar Scheme, and efforts to revive the tradition of the Craft Bazar. Other initiatives include the Seal of Authenticity for products, QR codes for carpets, modern packaging techniques, building craft clusters, and promoting cooperative societies. These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to holistic development and the empowerment of artisans and entrepreneurs across the Union Territory. The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized the government’s commitment to integrated development, with a particular focus on increasing employment opportunities and boosting the export of handloom and handicraft products. “We are working on integrating crafts into tourism and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a prime cultural destination to attract international visitors, providing a boost to the tourism industry, and strengthening the local economy.” During his address, he encouraged grassroots artisans to actively participate in the region’s development, urging them to contribute to making Jammu and Kashmir self-reliant. He assured artisans and entrepreneurs of continued government support to address their concerns and promote the growth and competitiveness of the handloom and handicraft sectors. The event also featured a tribute to Smt. Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay, a pioneer of Indian craft and one of the founders of the World Crafts Council, for her invaluable contributions to the promotion of handicrafts and the empowerment of women and artisans through grassroots cooperative movements. The Lieutenant Governor also took time to visit the Craft Exhibition, where he inspected the stalls set up by local, national, and international artisans. He personally felicitated artisans who had excelled in their respective craft areas, recognizing their contribution to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, the World Crafts Council City Book, which highlights the 60-year journey of the WCC, was released during the event. This celebration not only showcased the cultural wealth of Jammu and Kashmir but also reinforced the government’s commitment to promoting the region’s handloom and handicraft industries on the global stage. By empowering artisans, fostering entrepreneurship, and integrating traditional crafts into modern industries, Jammu and Kashmir is poised to become a global leader in the field of crafts, contributing to economic growth and cultural preservation for generations to come.