Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has expressed delight that Srinagar has been officially accredited as a World Craft City by the World Craft Council AISBL (International) for 2024.
“This prestigious recognition highlights the centuries-old excellence of Kashmiri artisans, whose masterful craftsmanship has adorned the wardrobes of nobility, the rich, and the powerful across the globe”, KCCI said in a press statement issued to Ziraat Times.
KCCI has also extended its heartfelt thanks to Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha for his dedication to reviving and developing Kashmir’s handicrafts, and commends the vision and efforts of Director Handicrafts Mehmood Ahmad Shah. The role of INTACH Chief Salem Beigh is also acknowledged as crucial for achieving this milestone.
In April 2024, a distinguished jury from the World Craft Council visited Kashmir to evaluate Srinagar’s eligibility for this honor, KCCI said.
The jury included:
– Prof. Somesh Singh (India), WCC International Entity Member
– Mr. Sohan Kumar Jha (India), Senior Director, National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy, WCC International Entity Member, Delhi
– Mr. Abhishek Kumar (India), Head of Craft Division, Advantage Designs Inc, WCC Jury Member, Delhi
During their visit, the jury held an in-depth consultation with KCCI on April 17, 2024, at the School of Design, Kashmir Haat. The KCCI team, led by President Javed Ahmad Tenga and including Junior Vice President Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, and other key members, presented a compelling case for Srinagar’s accreditation.
The KCCI emphasized the following points:
1. Cultural Hub: Srinagar is a renowned center for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, producing a wide range of artifacts that sustain economic betterment and employment for a significant portion of the population.
2. Global Links: The World Craft Council’s connections with over 80 countries offer Srinagar a unique opportunity to enhance its craft production strengths.
3. Cultural Exchange: Facilitating Kashmiri artisans’ participation in global programs can help them create contemporary designs appealing to international markets.
4. Artisan Empowerment: Initiatives by the World Craft Council can enhance the skills of Srinagar-based artisans.
5. Social Security: The Council can design interventions to address the social security issues of artisans.
6. Business Linkages: Creating vertical linkages between artisans, manufacturers, exporters, and global retail chains will promote sustainable business and integrated development.
Director Handicrafts & Handlooms, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, and INTACH JK Chapter Head, Salem Beigh, also advocated strongly for Srinagar’s accreditation. Somesh Singh from the jury highlighted the importance of product innovation, pricing, productivity, and packaging & presentation as key criteria for accreditation.
Salem Beigh emphasized that Srinagar’s designation as a UNESCO Heritage City further supports its case for World Craft Council accreditation. He underscored the KCCI’s pivotal role in representing trade, commerce, industry, and handicrafts in this endeavor.
KCCI President Javed Ahmad Tenga assured the jury of KCCI’s proactive role and commitment to utilizing all available resources to secure the accreditation.
