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| Handicraft a hall mark of Kashmiri identity: Baig | | Announces 2 crores for purchasing handicrafts directly from artisans | | Early Times Reporter
Srinagar | June 13
Describing the handicrafts as one of the most important ingredient of Kashmiri identity, the Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said that Kashmir valley besides, being renowned for scenic splendor, is also known for its exquisite handicrafts. "Since times immemorial the handicrafts have been contributing in boosting the image and the economy of the Valley", he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the 10- day ‘Evening Shopping Festival -Craft Bazaars 2008', organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Handloom Development Corporation at Emporium Garden on Thursday. The function was also attended by the Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Dr. Romesh Chander, the Chairman State Handicraft Development Corporation Haji Abdul Rashid Dar and various other senior officers of the administration.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that in recent past the European markets had a great demand for Kashmiri handicrafts, especially the world known Kashmiri shawls. "It won't be out of context to mention that the great Napoleon Bonaparte had gifted his wife Rosselene- a Kashmiri shawl as a token of his love, because at that time it was one of the most sought after commodities in Europe", he maintained. 'Cashmere'-a brand name is still continuing to thrill the fashion markets of Europe, he added.
Baig said that time is not faraway when the walls of hatred between the two major powers of the sub-continent would be dismantled and trade, people to people contacts would increased thereby leading to development of an economic zone "History stands testimony to the fact that the people having common culture, history and various other beliefs cannot be separated for long", he asserted.
Exuding hope that with the implementation of SAAFTA-vision 2020 document, both countries including the other members of the SAARC would come together in terms of commerce and cultural relations.
Praising the Central leadership for carrying forward the peace process Baig expressed hope that with installation of popular government in Pakistan measures would also be taken for carrying the trans LoC trade which would give a boost to the handicrafts and tourism related sectors of the state. "The time is not far away, when with opening of more routes, the tourists from other side would also come. I sincerely hope that the influx would show a geometrical progression", he maintained.
Complementing the artisans for creating masterpieces, Baig said that it is a historical fact that art only withstands test of time. "We all know who painted Mona Lisa or created Taj Mahal but none of us would remember different rulers of that particular era", he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced Rs. 2 crore for purchasing the handicrafts items directly from the artisans and craftsman thereby reducing the role of middleman. He also announced Rs 1.3 crore for renovation of Delhi office and directed the departments of Floriculture and Tourism to upgrade the emporium garden and include the same in the tourist map of the state.
The Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Dr. Romesh Chander enumerated the priorities of the government and called for holding such type of exhibitions all over the globe so that the local artisans get proper exposure and monetary benefits.
The Chairman Handicrafts Development Corporation Haji Abdul Rashid Dar also spoke on the occasion and gave an overview about the activities of the Corporation. |
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