Srinagar to become global craft center with new World Craft hub: CM

NEW DELHI, NOV 24: As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the World Craft Council (WCC), themed “Craft, Creativity and Compassion,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hosted a dinner for WCC delegates in New Delhi on Saturday evening.
The event, attended by distinguished national and international dignitaries, marked the beginning of a two-phase celebration. The first phase was held in New Delhi from November 21-24, while the second phase will take place in Srinagar from November 25-27, highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s growing prominence in global crafts.
Srinagar’s recent recognition as the 63rd World Craft City has further solidified the region’s status as a hub of cultural and artisanal excellence.
Speaking at the dinner, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised the role of traditional crafts in preserving cultural identity and fostering economic growth. “Jammu and Kashmir is proud of its rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship. The handicrafts and handloom sectors, vital pillars of this heritage, hold immense potential for economic growth and social upliftment, especially in rural areas. These crafts not only preserve the region’s cultural identity but also provide livelihoods for countless artisans,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed his hopes for the continued growth of the crafts sector, with an emphasis on skill transfer to younger generations. He also noted the potential support from organizations like the World Craft Council in helping Jammu and Kashmir unlock the full potential of its handicrafts industry.
During the event, the J&K government highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening the craft sector, including the Wool Processing, Handloom, and Handicrafts Policy-2020, financial assistance programs, and skill development initiatives such as the Karkhandar project. Additionally, the promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Kashmiri crafts has significantly boosted exports, which have increased from Rs 563 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 1,162 crore in 2023-24.
A key announcement at the dinner was the collaboration between the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the World Craft Council to establish a World Craft Hub and International Crafts Museum in Srinagar. This initiative aims to position Kashmir as a global centre for artisanal excellence, preserving traditional skills while creating sustainable revenue streams for artisans.
The event also featured a presentation on Jammu & Kashmir’s crafts, a short film celebrating the region’s legacy, and a special focus on Srinagar’s designation as a World Craft City. The dinner was attended by a distinguished group of officials, including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Union Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles Rohit Kansal, and other key officials from both the J&K Government and the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Delegates from the World Craft Council were also present, including WCC President Saad Al Qaddumi, Vice President Dr. Kevin Murray, and representatives from various countries such as Australia, Kuwait, France, Uzbekistan, South Africa, and Turkey.
The celebrations are a significant milestone for Jammu & Kashmir, providing global recognition for its artisanal heritage and creating new opportunities for artisans. By integrating crafts into tourism and connecting local artisans to global markets, the event is poised to have a lasting impact on the region’s cultural and economic landscape.
The second phase of the event in Srinagar will include participation from artisans from Iran and Central Asia, helping to strengthen historical and cultural ties between Kashmiri and Central Asian crafts. This cross-cultural interaction is expected to foster shared learning and contribute to the revival of traditional craft techniques.
The event marks a pivotal moment in Jammu & Kashmir’s efforts to reclaim its position as a leading center for global craftsmanship, with the World Craft Council’s collaboration playing a crucial role in sustaining the region’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come. The celebrations will continue in Srinagar with a two-day event at the SKICC on November 26-27.