Craftsmen true ambassadors of J&K’s cultural heritage: Omar

16/04/2026

SRINAGAR, Apr 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday emphasized that artisans are the custo-dians of the region's cultural identity and said the programme aims to provide them direct market access, ensure fair value for their work, and strengthen the authenticity of traditional products.
Speaking after inaugurating the 'Know Your Artisan' programme here at Kashmir Haat under the Handicrafts and Handlooms ongoing 'Soulful Kashmir' brand promotion campaign, the Chief Minister said the initiative marks a significant step in promoting Brand J&K and enhancing the visibility of the handicrafts sector.
He emphasised holding such events with greater frequency and duration, so that the 'golden hands' and rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir provided an ideal platform to reach out to a larger target audience.
He directed the Handicrafts and Handloom Department to institutionalize the 'Know Your Artisan' initiative as a regular feature and to extend the present edition to maximize the outreach and impact.
Abdullah has urged people to visit Kashmir Haat to experience the world-class art and craft created by the "magical hands" of Kashmiri artisans.
He also inaugurated the new GI Testing Lab, Giant LED Video Walls and launched high precision fibre analysis equipment along with DesignNWeave software, designed by IICT Srinagar.
The latest edition of the Soulful Kashmir campaign continues the momentum built over the past year, in line with the Chief Minister's commitments made during his Budget Speech, aimed at strengthening 'Brand Jammu and Kashmir' and promoting the region's rich handicrafts and handloom heritage.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Giant LED Video Wall installed at Kashmir Haat and the Know Your Artisan programme.
He also inspected the Department's new initiative of Live Demos under the 'Try Your Hands' segment, set up to provide an immersive experience to the visitors and tourists so that they feel the hard work of artisans and back-end processes involved in making such niche crafts.
The Chief Minister himself tried his hand at warping of yarn, an arduous exercise that goes into hand-weaving of pashmina.
He was specifically impressed by the prototypes on display, designed by the School of Design and CDI.
The Chief Minister later visited the main Exhibition Gallery where 30 display-cum-sale counters offering authentic handmade products have been set up.
During his interaction with various Shilp Guru, National, and J&K Awardees, he expressed deep appreciation for the initiative and the remarkable craftsmanship on display.
He emphasized that such visits not only allow people to witness the rich cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir firsthand, but also directly support local artisans by encouraging the purchase of authentic handmade products.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who also holds the Industries & Commerce portfolio, reaffirmed the department's commitment to continue organizing such initiatives across multiple locations, ensuring wider visibility, enhanced market access, greater footprint of visitors and buyers, and sustained socio-economic uplift of the artisan and weaver community.
Meanwhile in a separate event, the Chief Minister rededicated the renovated War Memorial and attended the 78th Raising Day celebrations of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) here at the Regimental Centre.
The programme was held at the Regimental Centre, where the Chief Minister, as Chief Guest, unveiled the renovated War Memorial and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to pay homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
The Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army, has a rich legacy of valour and sacrifice.
Originating from the J&K Militia raised during the 1947 conflict, the Regiment has played a pivotal role in major military operations, including the wars of 1965 and 1971, Operation Meghdoot in Siachen, and Operation Vijay during the Kargil conflict.

Photo Gallery

BSE Sensex

NSE Nifty