Srinagar Recognized as a World Craft City for Exquisite Handicrafts!
Srinagar Stitches its Way to Glory: Declared a World Craft City!
Srinagar, Kashmir (June 25, 2024): The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) is thrilled to announce that Srinagar has been officially designated as a World Craft City by the World Craft Council AISBL (International) for 2024! This prestigious recognition celebrates the centuries-old legacy of Kashmiri artisans and their mastery in crafting exquisite masterpieces.
A Legacy Woven in Gold:
For generations, Kashmiri artisans have captivated the world with their exceptional skills. Their golden hands have produced breathtaking Pashminas, carpets, and other handcrafted wonders that have adorned the wardrobes of royalty and connoisseurs across the globe. This accreditation serves as a testament to their enduring talent and dedication.
KCCI Champions Srinagar’s Case:
In April 2024, a distinguished jury from the World Craft Council visited Kashmir to evaluate Srinagar’s qualification for this honor. The KCCI team, led by President Javed Ahmad Tenga, actively presented a compelling case, highlighting the city’s rich tradition of handicrafts and the significant role this sector plays in the local economy.
Key Factors for Recognition:
The jury was particularly impressed by several key aspects of Srinagar’s craft scene:
- A Hub of Traditional Crafts: Srinagar boasts a vast array of exquisite handcrafted items, produced by skilled artisans who are the backbone of the industry.
- Global Connections: As a member of the World Craft Council, Srinagar gains access to a network spanning over 80 countries, opening doors for collaboration and market expansion.
- Artisan Empowerment: The accreditation paves the way for initiatives focused on enhancing the skill sets and overall well-being of Kashmiri artisans.
- Sustainable Business Growth: The World Craft Council can potentially facilitate partnerships with international retailers, creating a robust platform for promoting Kashmiri crafts on a global scale.
Collaboration for Continued Success:
The KCCI acknowledges the crucial role of Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha in reviving and propelling the development of Kashmiri handicrafts. They also commend the tireless efforts of the Director Handicrafts & Handlooms and INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) Chief Mr. Salem Beigh in securing this prestigious recognition and elevating Srinagar’s status as a global craft hub.
A Bright Future for Kashmiri Crafts:
This accreditation is a significant milestone for Srinagar and its vibrant craft community. The KCCI remains committed to leveraging its resources and collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the continued success and growth of Kashmiri handicrafts, ensuring this legacy continues to shine brightly for generations to come.
PRESS RELEASE
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( KCCI) expresses immense pleasure and gratitude to the World Craft Council Jury for recommending , acknowledging and issuing Certificate of Accreditation to “ SRINAGAR” for successfully meeting the evaluation criteria of the World Craft City Program by World. Craft Council AISBL ( International) for the year 2024. The issue of Accreditation Certificate is in recognition of the Centuries old excellence of the craftsmanship of Kashmiri Artisans and their golden hands used to weave/ produce Masterpieces which for Centuries have adorned the Wardrobe of nobility , rich and powerful across the globe. The Kashmiri craftsmen deserve huge applause for the International recognition of their Craftsmanship.
It may be recalled that the World Craft Council Jury undertook an extensive visit of Kashmir during 3rd week of April , 2024 to study if Srinagar qualified for the recognition as a prestigious World Craft City.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( KCCI) was specifically invited for consultations by the Jury on 17 th of April , 2024 at School of Design, Kashmir Haat. A threadbare discussion was held between KCCI Team lead by President Javed Ahmad Tenga which included Junior Vice President, Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Executive Committee Member Mohammad Lateef Bhat, Tariq Ahmad Shair and other stakeholders of Pashmina , carpet and other stakeholders /Handicraft members of the Chamber.
The craft Council Jury comprised of:
1. Prof. Somesh Singh (India), WCC- International Entity Member.
2. Mr. Sohan Kumar Jha (India), Senior Director National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy, WCC International Entity Member, Delhi.
3. Mr. Abhishek Kumar (India), Head of Craft Division, Advantage Designs Inc, WCC Jury Member, Delhi.
The Director Handicrafts & Handlooms , Kashmir Mr. Mehmood Ahmad Shah and Mr. Salem Beigh ,Head INTACH,JK Chapter were also present in the meeting.
The KCCI team strongly pleaded the case for classifying Kashmir as a member of the council on the following grounds:
1. Srinagar is hub of traditional Kashmiri Handicrafts. A wide range of Kashmiri Artefacts are produced by skilled craftsmen. A considerable section of the populaces associated with the production and trade of Handicraft products ,and it is important to have this sector around to ensure sustained economic betterment and employment generation.
2. The World Craft Council having links with more than 80 countries, and as such, it is an important occasion to have the World Craft Council Jury in Srinagar. The KCCI steadfastly cherish the hope that the visit of such a prestigious jury delegation would help in leveraging existing strengths and resources of Craft Production of Kashmir.
3. The KCCI suggested that under the Cultural Exchange, THE ARTISANS OF Kashmir could be facilitated to participate in various programs enabling them to create contemporary contents of global taste.
4. The Artisan empowerment is imperative and the initiatives taken by the World Craft Council would encompass the Srinagar based Artisans for enhancing their skill base.
5. For all over well being of Artisans , the World Craft Council could help design some interventions specifically addressing the social security issues of artisans.
6. The World Craft Council could help create vertical Linkages between the artisans/manufacturers/exporters with retail chain business enterprises globally so that a sustainable business promotion platform was provided for the integrated development of the craft sector.
The Director Handicrafts & Handicrafts strongly advocated the case of Kashmir qualifying for accreditation of the council on the ground of Kashmir having been an important center of exquisite handicrafts which had created a niche for its products in the World market..
The Jury member Mr. Somesh Singh in his response had said that the inputs given by KCCI would prove helpful for Srinagar qualifying for accreditation and that the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry as an apex trade organisation had a major role to play.
The mantra for qualifying are four fold:
a. product Innovation
b. Pricing
c. Productivity
d. Packaging & Presentation
Mr. Salem Beigh said that in view of Srinagar having been classified as UNESCO Heritage City had a huge potential for being accredited as a member of World Craft Council. He added that Kashmir Chamber of commerce & Industry being the Apex Body representing Trade, Commerce, Industry, Handicrafts and other major sectors had a huge responsibility for this purpose.
The President KCCI Mr .Javed Ahmad Tenga assured the Jury that KCCI would play a pro-active role and use all the resources at its command for getting World Craft Council accreditation.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( KCCI) puts on record the kern interest taken by the Lt. Governor , Shri Manoj Sinha for taking keen interest in the revival and development of Kashmir Handicrafts. KCCI also highly commends the vision , perseverance and tireless efforts of the Director Handicrafts for his role in the accreditation and overall development of Handicrafts & Handloom in Kashmir.
Similarly, the role of INTACH Chief Mr.. Salem Beigh is highly critical for getting Srinagar the Status of World Heritage City and World craft Council.
Faiz Bakshi
Secretary General
KCCI