Know Your Artisan: Reviving Jammu and Kashmir's Handicraft Legacy

In a bid to rejuvenate the artistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the 'Know Your Artisan' initiative. This program, under the 'Soulful Kashmir' campaign, aims to support local artisans by providing direct market access and ensuring fair compensation for their work.

Abdullah highlighted the importance of artisans as cultural custodians and stressed the necessity of preserving the authenticity of traditional crafts. The initiative includes advanced setups like a Geographical Indication (GI) testing lab and interactive demonstrations aimed at engaging tourists with the region's rich crafts.

He also advocated for the institutionalization of the initiative to widen its reach, urging that frequent, robust events could better showcase the 'golden hands' of Kashmir's artisans to a global audience. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to solidify 'Brand Jammu and Kashmir' on the global stage.