Handcrafted banners by Kulgam women add vibrancy to electoral process

Kulgam, May 25: In an innovative initiative aimed at promoting environmental consciousness and showcasing local craftsmanship, women artisans in Kulgam district handcrafted signage boards and banners for special polling stations designated for the Lok Sabha elections.
Bilal Kamgar, Deputy District Election Officer (Dy DEO) Kulgam, highlighted the unique aspect of these banners, emphasizing that they were created using crewel work, completely devoid of plastic materials. The initiative sought to convey a message of environmental preservation while promoting the use of traditional crafts.
The banners adorned the special polling stations, including those exclusively manned by women officials (Pink Polling Stations), as well as stations for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), Green, and youth. Each banner was meticulously crafted with threads corresponding to its designated station type – pink for Pink Polling Stations, green for Green Polling Stations, blue for youth-manned stations, and red for PwD stations.
Nazia Hassan, nodal officer of Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) in Kulgam, commended the artisans for their skill and dedication. She expressed appreciation for their craftsmanship during the SVEEP program, noting that the banners not only conveyed messages and quotes but also provided essential details about the polling stations.
The initiative received inspiration from a member of the SVEEP team, Navamani Hans, deployed in the Election Cell from the RDD Department. A banner at the special PwD polling station in Government Middle School Khargund carried the poignant message, “Inclusive participation; vote & plant for future,” reflecting the spirit of inclusivity and environmental stewardship.
Other banners featured details about the different types of polling stations, including the ‘Pink Polling Station’ and ‘Green Polling Station,’ alongside messages encouraging women’s participation in the electoral process.