Deptt of H&H felicitates award-winning artisans
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 29: Award-winning artisans felicitated by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, today highlighted the need for Government support to preserve traditional crafts.
Speaking to ‘Excelsior’, they said they are making efforts to pass their skills on to the younger generation but stressed that Government intervention is essential to ensure the survival and growth of these art forms.
The felicitation ceremony honored four renowned artisans recently conferred with National Awards and Certificates of Excellence by the President of India in New Delhi.
The awardees expressed pride in their achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Kashmir’s rich craft heritage. Click here to watch video
Manzoor Ahmad Khan, a carpet weaver, said, “Every artisan wishes that his or her art is recognized and appreciated. We are working to ensure this art is passed on to the next generation, and appreciation always encourages us.”
Sozni embroidery expert Khawaja Nazir Ali added, “The recognition is the reward for years of hard work. We are striving to keep this craft alive and transfer it to future generations. I appeal to the Government to provide the necessary support.”
Another artisan underscored the importance of Government initiatives in reviving Kashmir’s world-famous crafts to ensure their continuity and growth.
MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, presented Certificates of Excellence and mementos to the awardees at the IICT/CDI premises in Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan.
The awardees included Manzoor Ahmad Khan for carpet weaving, Khawaja Nazir Ali for Sozni embroidery, Mir Arshad Hussain for papier-mâché, and Mashkoora Begum for Sozni embroidery.
The event was also attended by Director of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam; Director IICT, Zubair Ahmad; Joint Director, Handicrafts, Deeba Khalid; senior departmental officers, and UT Awardees 2024.
In his address, Tanvir Sadiq congratulated the winners for bringing laurels to Kashmir’s handicrafts sector.
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