Srinagar, May 24 : The three-day G-20 conference in Srinagar provided a glimmer of optimism to Kashmiri artisans, who showcased their exquisite handcrafted goods to international delegates who praised their skills and products.
The artisans expressed their hope that this big event will benefit not just their business, but also other industries in the Kashmir Valley. They anticipate that the exposure they obtained during the meeting will draw global attention and encourage sales of their one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Syed Javid Iqbal, a Srinagar-based paper machie artist, emphasised the negative impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the business, which caused a drop in sales. He pinned his hopes on the G-20 summit, seeing it as a vital opportunity to resurrect the market for their product. Iqbal praised the government’s decision to hold the event in Kashmir and stated that the gathering has given the artisans newfound hope.
“Our products are admired worldwide, and we must preserve our art and work diligently to ensure it never fades away,” Iqbal remarked passionately, emphasising the importance of preserving and promoting their traditional crafts.
Encouraged by the positive response from international delegates, the craftsmen urged the government to host an international exhibition to capitalise on the success of the G-20 conference. According to Arshid Ahmad, Director Programme Coordinator of Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission, during the summit, delegates showed appreciation for the skill of Kashmiri craftsmen and purchased goods worth over Rs 3 lakh from their stalls in the last two days.
Pir Aadil Hussain, another craftsman, emphasised the historical tradition of their work and bemoaned the current drop in demand. He stated that, while their skill used to be in high demand across the world, interest in it has declined in recent years. Hussain expressed optimism that the delegates’ exposure to their artisans would pave the way for international exhibition.
“We aspire to showcase our art to the world, and the government is taking proactive measures to ensure its reach on the international stage,” Hussain stated, reflecting the artisans’ collective desire to share their craft with a global audience.
The G-20 meeting has not only provided a platform for global economic discussions but has also brought the spotlight to the artistic prowess and cultural richness of Kashmir. The recognition and appreciation received by the artisans have instilled a sense of pride and renewed motivation among them. As they continue to hone their skills and create magnificent handmade crafts, they eagerly await future opportunities to display their artistry on an international scale.
Main Highlights
• On May 22: Members from the G20 nations arrived in Kashmir to attend the 3rd tourism working group meeting in Srinagar. They were welcomed by Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy, Amitabh Kant G20 Sherpa and other dignitaries at Srinagar International Airport.
• G20 meeting in Srinagar has the highest participation registered compared to the two previous Tourism Working Group Meetings at Rann of Kutch and Siliguri: Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arvind Singh
• No takers for strike calls in Kashmir as the mindset of the people of Jammu and Kashmir has changed for the better: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh.
• J&K is an important tourism destination. We expect around 20 million tourists to visit J&K this year: Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Chief Coordinator, G20 Presidency-India said
• There cannot be better place than Kashmir”: India’sG20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant
• , A stall dedicated to Shree Anna millet was installed for guest delegates. The food stall was set up by “Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) Millet Hub” for guests in Sher-I-Kashmir International Centre. Notably, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets in march 2021.
Kashmir is an untapped destination for the film industry and it will take 95 years for them to explore it: Actor Ram Charan
Day2:
• Common man of Srinagar wants to join PM Modi in his global journey:Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the
•&K is now open to a new era that is open to growth, peace and development. Today J&K stands as one of the developed states in the country: LG Manoj Sinha
• Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said that Film tourism has emerged as a powerful medium to promote the tourism industry and the government is chalking out a comprehensive strategy for its growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The Director Information, Jammu and Kashmir, Minga Sherpa said that the administration has adopted a single window system to facilitate film shootings in Union Territory.
Day 3:
• Amid the light rain, the G20 delegates experienced the beauty of the historical Polo View market in Srinagar on Wednesday.The G20 delegates, who are in Kashmir for the 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting, called it a unique experience and appealed to tourists around the world to visit Kashmir.
