Wednesday 04 / September / 2024
New Delhi: In major cities across India and abroad, each time one walks into an emporium of Jammu and Kashmir, the experience becomes overwhelming and artsy.
From the intricately carved articles made of Walnut wood to exquisite hand-knotted carpets or a multi-purpose storage boxes embossed with golden floral patterns, one can pick the perfect home decor item or gift for a loved one.
And each time you pick one of those classy pieces of utilitarian art objects, you think of the breath-taking beauty of the land- Kashmir- from where they originate.
So it is in the fitness of things that three years after being designated as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts and folk arts, Srinagar, the capital of the northernmost Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has been recognised as a 'World Craft City' by the World Craft Council (WCC).
Srinagar becomes the fourth Indian city, after Jaipur, Malappuram and Mysore, to get the 'World Craft City' tag from the UNESCO affiliated WCC.
A base of some popular crafts such as carpet, papier-maché, Sozni, walnut wood carving, and Pashmina and Kani shawls, Srinagar deserves the recognition. So it brought pride to the locals when the city was recognised as a 'World Craft City' by the WCC in a formal communication to the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) officials last month.
As per reports, Srinagar has got the 'World Craft City' tag after a three-member independent panel of craft specialists from the WCC visited the city last year and held a detailed tour of craft centres in the region.
The recognition is likely to reopen Jammu and Kashmir's century-old linkages with craft centres in Central Asia and Iran.
Sharing the significant development on social media, Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Heartiest congratulations to Srinagar for being recognised as a World Craft City by the World Crafts council.”
“This prestigious honour celebrates the rich heritage, craftsmanship and vibrant culture of our beloved Srinagar,” the Lieutenant Governor wrote.
According to media reports, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had applied for the recognition of Srinagar as 'World Craft City' in 2021 together with recognition as UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Director of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah was quoted as saying by the Indian Express, “We have been an international craft destination for a long time…, but our craft industry has been on the back burner for the last three decades."
“After this, we can again promote Srinagar as a craft destination,” he added.
According to experts, the World Craft City tag is an esteemed designation given to cities that excel in the promotion and development of traditional crafts and artisanship, while this recognition given by the WCC acknowledges the city's commitment to preserving and promoting its unique craft heritage and supporting local artisans.
Talking about the significance of the 'World Craft City' tag, crafts experts said the recognition boosts the city's international prestige and elevates the status on the global platform by enhancing its reputation as a centre of excellence for crafts.
Besides, the 'World Craft City' tag pushes the local economy by attracting domestic and international tourists, investors and authentic crafts buyers. It also increases market opportunities for artisans.
The recognition highlights the city's dedication to preserving traditional crafts and ensures that these cultural practices of the city are passed down to future generations.
The 'World Craft City' tag also leads to increased support for the city's local artisans, including training, funding and opportunities for global collaboration and exchange.
Besides enhancing the city's global visibility through international media coverage, events and exhibitions associated with the WCC, the recognition encourages innovation within the craft sector by blending traditional techniques with modern designs, fostering creativity and sustainability, as per experts.
Dar Javed, a writer on Polity Governance Art and Culture and worker on peace initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, wrote in an opinion piece published in The Global Kashmir, "This recognition is not just an honour; it is a call to action to preserve, promote, and celebrate the incredible craftsmanship that defines Srinagar. As we move forward, let us ensure that the legacy of Kashmir’s artisans is cherished and sustained for years to come.”
Javed, in the opinion piece titled "Srinagar’s ‘World Craft City’ designation enables Kashmir to re-establish global connections", mentioned that the recognition is a validation of the creative and innovative work that has been done in Srinagar, supported by government institutions and NGOs such as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Craft Development Institute (CDI), and the Indian National Trust for Art and Heritage (INTACH)'s Jammu and Kashmir chapter.
According to the opinion piece, Srinagar’s recognition by the WCC is a celebration of its rich craft heritage, which includes Pashmina shawls, handwoven carpets, papier-mâché, and walnut wood carving.
It added that the craft sector is a vital part of Srinagar’s economy, providing livelihoods to thousands of families, and the recognition by the WCC is expected to boost this sector further, attracting more investment and promoting sustainable economic growth.
