Kashmir Life (KL): What are the challenges that Kashmir’s handicraft sector is currently facing?
Mehmood Ahmad Shah (MAS): There are immense challenges faced by our handicraft sector. But the skill-set we have is unlike anyone in the world. Also, over the period of time, the coming in of machines has marginalized artisans and impacted the product basket.
These are the main challenges but solutions are available as well. One of the best solutions we have is GI tagging. We have introduced GI tagging in seven crafts - Pashmina, Kani, Sozni, Papier Machie, Walnut wood, Carpet and Khatam Bandh. We have to strictly implement the GI tagging so that craft basket improves and becomes original and the people associated with it also can get remunerative wages.
I think so far the department has not worked on e-commerce. We should support artisans on e-commerce platforms so that they can be globally plugged. We have to glorify artisans who are state and national awardees because they are our unsung heroes. We have to promote them. Once they are promoted on these platforms the whole world can be our customers.
KL: We are living in a fragile situation, whether it is the Covid-19 pandemic or the post-August 5, 2019 lockdowns. How has our handicraft economy been affected by these situations and what is our current situation?
MAS: Over time we have seen that our exports are not increasing and numbers of artisans are also dwindling. There is an apprehension that a lot of crafts are on verge of extinction. I will give the example of wickerwork. Now only a few artisans of the craft are left. We used to make Kashmiri Rabab but now only a few Rabab artisans are living. Saving these crafts is very important. Artisans should be supported.
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Denne historien er fra April 18, 2021-utgaven av Kashmir Life.
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Before The Kabul Retreat
Described as the ‘Graveyard of Empires’, Afghanistan was always termed to be at peace when it was at war. But the land-locked desert country that was always in turmoil and one of the worst targets of the Great Game suffered immensely throughout, especially in the last 40 years, Masood Hussain writes
FINGERS CROSSED
Almost everybody in academia and politics that Khalid Bashir Gura spoke to, the response over Kabul happens was simple – wait and watch
Parliamentary Committee In Srinagar
The visiting 28-member Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs have had detailed interactions with top civil administration and discussed developmental scenario and people’s welfare measures in Jammu and Kashmir. It is on a 4-day visit. Congress leader and MP Anand Sharma is heading the committee.
MUSIC IN MUD HOUSE
Deep into north Kashmir, Faheem Mir meet a small community that sings and lives on folk music but is facing a tense situation in the last few years
THE KABUL SPILLOVER?
Security experts are divided over the possible impact of the Kabul situation on Kashmir. But the dramatic Taliban triumph has altered the region’s geopolitics, for the time being, writes Riyaz Wani
Durga Bhawan At Katra
To enhancing facilities for the convenience of the Vaishno Devi pilgrims, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation for the Durga Bhawan, a high utility pilgrim-centric facility worth Rs 24.4 crore. The facility will accommodate 4000 pilgrims.
Women Empowerment
In the first, 480 talented girls from Jammu and Kashmir were included in the degree and diploma courses of the Pragati Scholarship. Jammu and Kashmir has also got nine scholarships under the Saksham Scheme for Persons with Disabilities.
‘SOME HISTORIANS BELIEVE THAT AFGHANISTAN CONFLICT IS THE OUTCOME OF INDIA AND PAKISTAN KASHMIR STAND-OFF'
Foreign policy expert and editor of HardNews magazine, Sanjay Kapoor believes that Taliban 2.0 has more legitimacy unlike in the past as it had signed a deal with the US and negotiated with other countries of the region, but the final verdict can be passed only after it manages ticklish issues involving half of its population, the women
Boredom Is Creative?
Getting bored is not as boring as it gets, writes Azra Hussain
LG In Bangus
Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Bungus Awaam Mela amidst grand arrangements for village games, exhilarating local performances, and other activities to celebrate the 75th year of Independence.
