Srinagar September 24 (KNS): Capacity Building programme was today organized for the Artisans of Copperware of Srinagar at Conference Hall of Numaish (Kashmir Haat) Srinagar. The event was conducted in coordination with the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir and the PHDCCI-Kashmir, under the Support of Department of Commerce-Ministry of Commerce & Industry Government of India.
In a two day capacity building programme for the artisans of Copperware of Srinagar, the artisans of Copperware attended the programme and acquired the knowledge and awareness about Design Development, Quality improvement, e- commerce, digital marketing and importance of packaging for Copperware.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director Handicrafts and Handloom Mr Mahmood Ahmad Shah (JKAS) said that Kashmir is a place possessing rich intangible cultural heritage, including traditional craftsmanship. Due to globalization processes many of these traditions are in need of safeguarding measures, including those aimed at transmission of this heritage to the next generations. In this regard, PHDCCI and Handicrafts and Handloom Department are initiating a series of Capacity Building programmes on traditional craftsmanship, design and entrepreneurship. The capacity-building activity aims at safeguarding, developing and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of Kashmir and, in particular, traditional craftsmanship. Moreover, the main goal of the trainings is to improve the economic and social well-being of local communities, including women and youth, by creating sustainable income-generating opportunities for them.
He further added that Copper ware known as Traam has been an indispensable commodity in Kashmir since ages. The age old art of crafting copperware is deep rooted in Kashmir culture. Although, the artists associated with the art form of Copperware earlier have faced huge discouragement and that is why the department has taken drastic necessary steps towards preserving this craft and it was apprised to artisans that department is initiating the hologram based labeling mechanism on handmade copperware items which shall certify the genuine copperware along with encouraging the e-platform for the copper products being crafted by hand. It was assured to the artisans of Copperware that the department will resolve the issues being faced by Artisans viz-a viz marketing, labelling, registration, Society formation, purity of raw material and unhealthy competition with machine made products in Copperware.
On the occasion the Director, Handicrafts & Handloom , Kashmir distributed the Registration certificates among the artisans of copperware of Srinagar. Earlier the detailed presentation was given to the artisans by Ms Amina Assad Chief Designer School of Designs and highlighted on topics, importance of design in crafts, creation of refined design for export quality, New & Innovative Design Development & Quality Improvement. Dr M Ashraf Parray Assistant professor Department of Management Studies IUST University explained to the artisans Concepts of marketing, definition and scope of digital marketing, different types of digital marketing tools and their importance and usage. Dr Mohd Sayyed Bhat from Institute of Chemical Technology -Mumbai explained the importance of Packaging to the artisans and made them understand the importance of packaging for Craft particularly for Copperware.
The programme was attended by 26-Artisans of Copperware from various areas and craft clusters of Srinagar District. The artisans of Copperware were also made to visit the school of designs by Ms Shahena Bhat Designer School of Designs wherein they observed the New Design Pattern of Copper and also various designs that were prepared and designed by School of designs were shared with Artisans. It was told to the artisans to often visit the school of Designs for latest designs and quality improvement of your products.
While applauding the role of the Handicraft Department and PHDCCI for arranging such a wonderful awareness workshop the Artisans, said that they have first time visited the handicraft department and have gained and enriched a lot through the two-day program and will adopt the techniques learnt in the packaging, designing and Marketing of their products and will remain in consistent touch with the Department for value addition and market linkages of their products.(KNS)