'Craft, Creativity & Compassion': Omar Abdullah Emphasizes Importance of Crafts in Preserving Cultural Identity
NEW DELHI, Nov 24: As part of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of the World Craft Council (WCC), themed "Craft, Creativity & Compassion," Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, hosted a dinner for World Craft Council delegates here.
The event, attended by distinguished national and international delegates, marked the beginning of a two-phase celebration to welcome the World Craft Council. The WCC celebrations aim to highlight Jammu & Kashmir's significant role in global crafts and elevated the region's standing as a hub of cultural and artisanal excellence with Srinagar being recognized as the 63rd World Craft City.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed the importance of crafts in preserving cultural identity and promoting economic growth. "Jammu & Kashmir is proud of its rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship," he said. "The handicrafts and handloom sectors are vital pillars of this heritage and hold immense potential for economic growth and social upliftment, particularly in rural areas."
Abdullah expressed hope that the WCC would achieve more milestones to celebrate in years to come, leading to a stronger crafts sector in J&K. He also emphasized the transfer of skills and craft knowledge to younger generations.
The Chief Minister highlighted several initiatives taken by the J&K Government, including the Wool Processing, Handloom, and Handicrafts Policy-2020, financial assistance programs, skill development schemes, and the promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) certification to protect Kashmiri crafts. The remarkable increase in exports to Rs 1,162 crore in 2023-24 was also highlighted.
A key announcement of the event was the collaboration between the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the World Craft Council to establish a World Craft Hub and International Crafts Museum in Srinagar. This initiative aims to position Kashmir as a global center for artisanal excellence, preserving traditional skills and creating sustainable revenue streams for artisans.
The event featured presentations on the crafts of Jammu & Kashmir and the way forward; a short film celebrating the global legacy of crafts and Srinagar's designation as a World Craft City were showcased to the audience. Notable dignitaries from the WCC, including President Saad Al Qaddumi, Vice President Dr Kevin Murray, and representatives from countries such as South Africa, Australia, and Uzbekistan attended the event.
The celebrations are expected to have a lasting impact on Jammu & Kashmir's cultural and economic landscape, offering global recognition to its artisanal heritage and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for artisans. By integrating crafts into tourism and connecting local artisans to global markets, the event is poised to be a game-changer for the region.