Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 25: Welcoming the accord of GI (Geographical Indication) tag on Saffron and Pashmina of Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference Provincial President Devender Singh Rana today strongly pitched for bringing the Basholi Paintings and Jammu Rajmash in the list, not only to preserve and promote these but to convert the specific avocations as an opportunity to lift the economy of the region and to benefit the thousands of farmers and artisans engaged in these activities.
“This will be recognition to these products that have potential to flourish once provided a larger canvass”, Rana said in a statement, adding that the product and the crafts are otherwise popular with lakhs of pilgrims thronging for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in this famous pilgrim centre of the country.
The Provincial President said though Jammu is rich in various products and crafts like Jammu Rajmash, Anardhana, Dogri Pagdi, Ambal etc yet to begin with the Jammu Rajmash and Basholi Paintings could be listed for the GI tag as a mark of recognition.
He recalled how grant of GI tag enabled R S Pura Basmati to hit the premier US and Middle East stores after lifting the ban on its inter-state movement while the Basholi Paintings are famous for vigorous use of primary colours and a peculiar facial formula of seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. For their vigorous, bold and imaginative and unconventional artistic style, the Basholi Paintings have found mention in the 1918-19 and 1921 reports of the Archaeological Survey of India. Similarly, he said, Jammu Rajmash has made a niche among foodies and it continues to be the most sought after course in Dogri cuisine, whatever the nature of festivities and celebrations.
The Provincial President vehemently urged the administration to consider grant of GI tags initially to Basholi Paintings and Rajmash which will incentivize those engaged in these activities, inspire others especially the youth to get involved in these avocations and above all turn out as an engine to boost the regional economy.
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