J&K figures as theme UT at Surajkund International Crafts Mela
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said his administration aims to connect youngsters with the craft tradition and provide them with training and financial assistance for its growth.
He said this at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, at Faridabad (Haryana), last evening where J&K is the theme State/UT of the world’s biggest fair to promote craftsmen, handicrafts, and handlooms, in which around 20 countries are participating, an official press release informed Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, the LG appreciated the efforts put in by everyone associated with the Mela (fair) to provide a common platform to the various regions across the country to showcase their crafts, culture, cuisine, heritage and folk arts.
Highlighting the endeavours of the J&K government for promoting the handcrafts and handloom sector, besides providing platforms to the local artisans at national and global markets, Sinha said that the government has unveiled several new initiatives under integrated handicraft development and export promotion scheme to expand the market of traditionally gifted handmade products, boost employment opportunities and ensure social security for artisans.
“The unique cultural and artistic heritage of J&K, and priceless handicrafts, handlooms evoke admiration world over,” the LG observed.
“Our aim is to connect young generation with crafts tradition and provide them with training, design, financial assistance, and such other infrastructural support as are required for its growth,” the LG added.
He was pleased to note that Jammu and Kashmir is the theme partner after a gap of 22 years with Uzbekistan, a partner country.
“I hope that the rich craft tradition of Jammu and Kashmir and mutual understanding between different nations, states, cultures and craftsmen will be deepened through such initiatives,” he added.
On the occasion, the LG interacted with the artisans of J&K and reiterated the government’s commitment to provide every possible assistance to the artisans who have been hit due to global pandemic.
The LG also spent some time in the Apna Ghar and was delighted and impressed that J&K government has built some remarkable structures on the Mela ground of Surajkund, in a short span of time, depicting the glorious heritage of J&K, the press release said.
He also witnessed a cultural program, fashion show, and a short documentary on the fabrics of J&K.
A grand fashion show was organized by the Handloom and Handicrafts Department in the main chaupal area and got an overwhelming response from the audience.
Pertinently, about 60 stalls have been allocated free of cost to the artisans of J&K UT. During the past 10 days, around 5 lakh people have already visited the Mela, especially the cultural events, paintings, and mouth-watering cuisines of J&K which are popular amongst visitors.
