Srinagar March 20:(KNS) On his maiden visit to Kashmir after assuming the charge as Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Ranjan Prakash Thakur today conferred the “State Awards” in the Handicrafts Sector. The simple but impressive award ceremony was held at Institute of Hotel Management, Raj Bagh Srinagar.
The awards were given in different categories that included Sozni, Papier Machie, Carpet and Languishing & Innovative craft categories. The 1st prize that included a citation and an award money of Rs 50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) was given to the Mr. Bashir Ahmad Malik in Sozni Craft, Mr. Ashiq Hussain in Papier Machie. The 2 nd Prize in the Carpet that included a citation and an award money of Rs 30,000/- (Rupees Thirty Thousand only) was given posthumously to Mr. Muhammad Ashraf Daikoo. In the Languishing & Innovative Craft category the award was won by Mr. Farooq Ahmad Khan. Besides, Merit certificate for excellent work in Papier Machie wasawarded to Mr. Tanveer Hussain Dangroo. Sozni: S.No: Name of the Craftsperson Craft Category Prize category 01. Bashir Ahmad Malik S/o Ghulam Mohammad R/o Sonpah, Beerwah Budgam Sozni 1 st Rs 50,000/- 02. Muhammad Shafi Bhat Sozni 2nd S/o Abdul Gani Bhat R/o Lokhri pora, Nowshehra Rs 30,000/- 03. Maqbool Hussain Malik S/o Ghulam Muhammad Malik R/o Sopah, Berwah Budgam Sozni 3rd Rs 20,000/- Carpet: 04. Muhammad Ashraf Daikoo S/o Abdul Rehman Daikoo R/o Naidyar, Rainawari, Srinagar Carpet 2nd Rs 30,000/- 05. Ali Muhammad Ganie S/o Abdul Jabbar Ganie R/o Patlipora payeen, Chattabal Sgr. Carpet 3rdRs 20,000/ Papier Machie: 06. Ashiq Hussain S/o Ghulam Muhammad Zawar R/o Shalla Bagh, Alamgari Bazar Sgr. Papier Machie 1 St Rs 50,000/- 07. Syed Manzoor Rizvi S/o Syed Hussain Rizvi R/o Kathimaidan, Alamgari Bazar Sgr. Papier Machie 2nd Rs 30,000/- 08. Javid Ahmad Mir S/o Gh. Mustafa Mir R/o Dooni Pora, Sheri Bhat Sgr. Papier Machie 2nd Rs 30,000/- 09. Gowhar W/o Firdous Hussain jan R/o Mughal Mohalla Lal Bazar Sgr. Papier Machie 3 rd Rs 20,000/- 10. Zahid Hussain Beigh S/o Muhammad HussainBeigh R/o Qadeem Masjid, Lal Bazar Sgr. Papier Machie 3rd Rs 20,000/- Languish & Innovative: 11. Farooq Ahmad Khan S/o Ghulam Ahmad Khan R/o Khankah-e- Sokhta, Safa Kadal Sgr. Lang. & Innovativ 3 rd Rs 20,000/-
Earlier during the day the Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce visited the Kashmir Haat and gave on spot directions to make Kashmir Haat vibrant and lively. The visiting dignitary showed a keen interest in the precious artifacts that have been preserved at the Craft Museum, School of Designs at Kashmir Haat, Srinagar.
The visiting dignitary also visited the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) and was apprised by the Director, IICT about the assignments including the digitization work the institute is currently undertaking. The visiting dignitary also took stock of the Pashmina testing lab that has been recently brought under the preview of Industries and Commerce Department. Later during the day the representatives of various trade bodies including Kashmir Chamber of Industries & Commerce,PHD Chamber, TAHAFUZ and Meeras met the visiting dignitary.
Principal Secretary, emphasized upon strict implementation of GI particularly in Pashmina. He also assured artisan community of all possible support so that the marginalization of artisans does not happen. He stressed upon preserving this unique skill that is responsible for the production of World famous Shawls, Papier Machie, Carpets and Wood works. He also underscored the need of brand building and launching of e-commerce platforms for the sale of authentic handicraft products.(KNS)