Srinagar: J&K State Awards for exceptional handicrafts and handloom work were today conferred upon the artisans of the valley at a function here today by Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to the Leitenant Governor at Kashmir Haat Exhibition Ground Srinagar. The awards were given in the categories that included Sozni, Carpet, Papier Machie, Crewel, Willow Wicker and Languishing / Innovative crafts.
In the sozni category the 1st prize, that included a citation and an award money of Rs 50,000 was given posthumously to Ghulam Rasool Rather S/o Mohd. Ibrahim R/o Mandibal Nowshehra Srinagar.
The 2nd and 3rd prize in the same category was conferred upon Safder Ali Mir & Ajaz Ahmad Dar of Budgam and Ganderbal respectively.
In the category of carpets, Ali Muhammad Ganaie S/o Ab. Jabbar R/o Chattabal was given the 1st prize. In the same category the 2nd prize was conferred upon Ghulam Mohammad Jan.
In the Papier Machie segment the 1st prize was given to Ghulam Mohi-d-din Dar S/o Abdul Rehman Dar R/o Khushaalsar, Zadibal Srinagar. The 2nd & 3rd Prize in the same Papier Machie segment was bagged by Altaf Hussain Bhat & Syed Inayat respectively.
In the Willow Wicker category, the 1st prize of Rs 50,000/- was bestowed upon Ghulam Muhammad Magray S/o Ab. Khaliq R/o Ganderbal.
Ruby Jan of Kawadara Srinagar bagged the State Award in Crewel craft while as Abdul Maid Shah of Nawa Kadal Srinagar was bestowed upon the state award in languishing and innovative craft category.
Congratulating the awardees, Mr Baseer Khan assured them of strong hand holding and providing every viable marketing opportunity in the exhibitions within and outside J&K. He also assured artisan community of all possible support so that the marginalization of artisans does not happen. He stressed upon preserving this unique skill that is responsible for the production of World famous Shawls, Papier Machie, Carpets and Wood works. He also underscored the need of brand building and launching of e-commerce platforms for the sale of authentic handicraft products.
Earlier, Director Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir Mahmood Ahmad Shah apprised Mr Khan about the welfare schemes of the Department that have been announced recently under LGs administration for the artisan fraternity that include the enhancement of credit facilities under Artisan Credit Card scheme and special grant under cooperative society scheme.