Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today congratulated the people, artisans, craftspeople and all stakeholder departments for Srinagar’s recognition as ‘World Craft City’.
Addressing the certificate award ceremony marking the recognition of Srinagar as ‘World Craft City’ by World Crafts Council (WCC), Sinha said it’s a great honour for the ancient city known for its priceless cultural and artistic heritage. “It will go a long way to preserve and promote J&K’s crafts and craftsmanship,” he said.
Srinagar is the 4th city of India to receive the prestigious title of ‘World Craft City’.
The award ceremony was attended by WCC president Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi and other prominent personalities of the Council.
“Truly delighted to see Srinagar being awarded the certificate of ‘World Craft City’ by World Crafts Council (WCC),” Sinha said as he appreciated the WCC for its endeavours to inspire and promote the artistic traditions of the cities across the world.
“J&K is proud to have an inclusive cultural ecosystem, which always inspired the weavers and craftspeople. I believe in honouring the Srinagar city, the World Crafts Council has also honored the 5000-year rich Indian civilization which kept alive creative traditions and always promoted gifted artisans for their ingenuity and craftsmanship,” he observed.
“I want to see Jammu and Srinagar becoming the best art cities of India. I want to see both the cities claim the title of best home for the artists and favourite destination for seekers of priceless art,” the LG said.
He also highlighted the efforts of the UT administration to preserve and promote the unique cultural and artistic heritage of Jammu & Kashmir and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to the artisans and craftspeople of J&K, an official press release said.
“Jammu & Kashmir is known as a ‘crown jewel’ of India not only because of its geographical position but also because of its quest for spiritual wisdom and its ageless Indian cultural assets, which can be witnessed in the infinite variety of creative products,” the LG observed.
He reiterated the commitment of UT administration to support the artisans in marketing and exports of handicrafts, handloom products and promotion of all craft forms.
“We are giving greater attention to training of young generation of craftspeople so they can be part of this traditional occupation,” the LG said.
He said the UT administration is also determined to ensure that their creative products are financially attractive and the work is professionally satisfying.
The LG also commended the efforts of Handlooms and Handicrafts and the Industries and Commerce departments for leading the change in the vital sector of J&K’s economy.
“I am sure the recognition of Srinagar now as ‘World Craft City’ will not only provide a new identity to Srinagar in the global market but craftsmanship will re-establish its position as a prestigious occupation,” the LG said.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi, president WCC, congratulated the J&K government on the recognition of Srinagar as ‘World Craft City’. Srinagar has joined the well-deserved ranks amongst the craft cities across the world, he said.
On the occasion, the LG released a publication depicting the 60-years journey of World Crafts Council.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to LG; Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce department; Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice-Chairperson, J&K KVIB; heads of departments, members of the World Crafts Council, and artisans and craftspeople in large number were present.
