Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, July 16, 2025 – On World Youth Skills Day, the Indian Army’s Kupwara Terriers honoured 15 local artisans at a special event in Hirri, Kupwara, spotlighting their exceptional talent and craftsmanship. This initiative, aligned with the global theme of “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,” underscored the Army’s commitment to promoting traditional crafts, women’s empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods in Kashmir.The felicitation ceremony, held on July 15, 2025, showcased the artisans’ diverse skills in traditional Kashmiri crafts, including embroidery, woodwork, and textile weaving, which have long been a cornerstone of the region’s cultural heritage. The event highlighted the role of skill development in fostering self-reliance and economic independence, particularly among women and youth in Kupwara. The Kupwara Terriers, often referred to as the “Citizens’ Army,” were lauded for their efforts in uplifting local communities through such initiatives. “This is a great step toward preserving our cultural heritage and empowering our youth,” one post noted. The initiative aligns with India’s broader Skill India campaign, launched in 2015, which emphasises equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship, especially in the context of emerging technologies like AI and digital tools.
The event also served as a platform to encourage local artisans, particularly women, to leverage their skills for economic growth. By showcasing their work, the Kupwara Terriers aimed to inspire confidence and foster market opportunities for these artisans, many of whom rely on traditional crafts as their primary source of income. The initiative reflects the Indian Army’s broader mission in Kashmir to support community development and sustainable livelihoods alongside its security responsibilities.World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15 as declared by the United Nations in 2014, emphasises the importance of skilling youth to navigate the evolving demands of the global job market. This year’s theme highlights the transformative role of AI and digital skills, but the Kupwara Terriers event demonstrated that traditional skills remain vital for empowering communities in regions like Kupwara, where craftsmanship is a way of life.
The felicitation ceremony has been hailed as a model for community engagement, with the Indian Army reaffirming its role in fostering self-reliance and cultural preservation. As one artisan remarked, “This recognition motivates us to keep our traditions alive and pass them on to the next generation.” The event not only celebrated skill and talent but also strengthened the bond between the Army and the people of Kashmir, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered future.
