Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday expressed his vision to make “Made in Jammu Kashmir” creative products globally recognised and integral to households worldwide.
Speaking during the 60th anniversary celebration of the World Crafts Council (WCC) in Srinagar, Sinha highlighted the importance of focusing on global cooperation to promote India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
The WCC’s milestone event brought together artisans, designers, creative leaders, and stakeholders from around the world to celebrate the diversity and craftsmanship of India’s handicrafts and handloom traditions.
In his address, Lieutenant Governor Sinha acknowledged the significant contributions of the Ministry of Textiles, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Department of Industries and Commerce of Jammu and Kashmir, and the WCC for their role in preserving and promoting traditional crafts. He stressed that these sectors not only have immense cultural value but also hold great potential for driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha outlined key steps taken by the J&K government to bolster the handloom and handicraft industries. These initiatives include the J&K Wool Processing, Handicrafts, and Handloom Policy 2020, financial support schemes for cooperatives and self-help groups, credit card schemes for artisans, and the revival of the Craft Bazar tradition. Additionally, the government is focusing on modernizing packaging, creating craft clusters, and expanding export opportunities for these products.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the ultimate goal is to enhance the global reputation of J&K’s handloom and handicrafts and integrate them into the tourism sector. “We aim to position Jammu Kashmir as a prime cultural destination, attracting international visitors, and boosting the local economy,” he said.
Sinha also paid tribute to Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay, one of the founders of the World Crafts Council, for her pioneering work in promoting handicrafts and advancing grassroots movements for women’s social and economic empowerment.
The event saw the launch of the “Seal of Authenticity of the Craft,” a new initiative designed to ensure the quality and originality of J&K’s handmade products. During the celebration, Sinha visited a craft exhibition, inspected the stalls, and honoured artisans for their outstanding contributions to the craft sector.
The event concluded with the release of the “World Crafts Council City Book,” which showcases the achievements of the WCC over the past six decades.
