World Craft Council launches authenticity seal for J&K crafts
The World Craft Council (WCC) on Tuesday said it is introducing the seal of authenticity of crafts — an initiative aimed at addressing the “pressing need” for globally-recognised certification for handmade crafts of Jammu and Kashmir. WCC president Saad Al-Qaddumi made the announcement at the 60th jubilee celebration of the council here.
J&K Lieutenant Governor presided over an award ceremony to confer the UT-Level Craft Awards, recognising outstanding contributions by local artisans to the craft sector.
Sinha highlighted the significant steps taken by the government to unlock the tremendous potential of the handloom and handicrafts sector in J&K. “My dream is to make ‘Made in Jammu & Kashmir’ products famous and integral part of the households across the world,” he said.
The L-G, while reiterating the commitment of the government for integrated development with a specific focus on increasing employment opportunities across the Union Territory said government is “also working on integrating crafts into tourism and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a prime cultural destination to attract international visitors and providing a fillip to tourism industry in order to strengthen the local economy.”
Addressing the gathering, Al-Qaddumi said he is proud to introduce the council’s new flagship programme — the seal of authenticity of crafts — in Jammu and Kashmir.
“This initiative aims to address the pressing need for globally recognised certification for handmade crafts — a significant step towards encouraging quality and ownership. This is predominantly for start in the textile industry. It is a vision born from discussions during my last visit to Srinagar with Jammu and Kashmir L-G Manoj Sinha,” he said.
The WCC president said he was thrilled to witness Srinagar being officially recognised as a world craft city — a title that reflects its deep-rooted cultural heritage and world-renowned craftsmanship.
“We are also looking forward to catalyse many more initiatives as we go forward. This recognition opens a new door for Srinagar. We are now at the historic moment embarking on a journey marked by the signing of an MoU with the government of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The agreement reflects our collective vision of positioning Srinagar as a global hub for crafts though the initiatives outlined in the MoU including the establishment of a craft museum and incubation centre,” he said.
Al-Qaddumi said the WCC and the Jammu and Kashmir government are setting the stage for transformative growth and innovation in the Union territory’s crafts sector.
“We are also looking at the possibility of initiating a series of WCC’s craft next forums in premier institutes, responding to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s concern which he expressed at Delhi to build on the generation next for taking craft innovation and craftsmanship forward,” he added.
The WCC official said Srinagar is a city that breeds artistry and craftsmanship.
“From the intricately woven Pashmina shawls to the stunning paper machie creations, from the skilled artisans who craft floating walnut wood masterpieces to the vibrant carpets that adorn homes around the globe, every craft here tells the story of tradition, passion and unparalleled creativity,” he said.
Srinagar serves as a shining example of how crafts are not merely objects of utility, but an expression of identity, culture and a source of livelihood for countless artisans and inspiration for generation to come, he said.
