Srinagar, Nov 09 (KNS): Srinagar City expresses gratitude to UNESCO for including the city in the prestigious list of UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network launched in 2004 is aimed to provide cooperation among cities which recognize creativity as a major factor in their urban development.
Srinagar is world over known for its long and illustrious tradition of the crafts and folk art. The Crafts like Pashmina Shawls, Wood Carving, Paper Mache, Kani Shawl, Sozni, Khatamband and Hand Knotted Carpets are iconic crafts of the city.
The inclusion of Srinagar City in UNESCO creative Cities Network will help in further development and promotion of our arts and crafts.
On this historic occasion Mayor Srinagar Junaid Azim Mattu in a press conference held in the premises of Head office SMC here at Karan Nagar extended heartfelt congratulations to the citizens of Srinagar City especially the talented craftsmen, artisan and artists whose hard-work has got its due and has been recognized.
He further acknowledged and appreciated the role played by Principal Secretary R&B Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Industries Ranjan Thakur, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation Athar Aamir Khan, Director Industries Mehmood Ahmad Shah, INTACH Kashmir led by Saleem Beig, Chief Town Planner Iftikhar Hakim, the teams at, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Srinagar Smart City Limited, J&K ERA and Handicrafts Department.
Mattu on the occasion said we want to together first of all celebrate and commemorate this historic milestone that Srinagar city has collectively attained the milestone by having been subscribed as one of the creative cities in the Creative City Network by UNESCO in the category of folk art and culture and craft.
He said that this is an important day for Srinagar and I want congratulate everybody particularly artisans, craftsman of the city for this milestone achievement.
Our inclusion in the CCN will further pave way for international duration and evolution of our arts and crafts.
It is a big achievement which will give impetus to our local artisans, craftsman and we will preserver together and take initiatives to ensure that Kashmiri local arts and crafts that Srinagar is known for grows richer.
Mayor further announced that a month long celebrations will be held to educate, showcase the hard work and success of our Artisans, craftsman focus and honor them for their achievements as this day particularly belongs to them.
Commissioner SMC Athar Amir Khan while speaking on the occasion said that Srinagar being selected in the Crafts and Folk art Category by UNESCO as one of the cities is a proud movement for one and all with the joint efforts of various teams working in Collaboration and it should take us further to prosperity, in a sustainable way which respects the Arts, Artisans, Craftsman and Culture of the city.
He further said there will be events organised, showcased exhibitions which will highlight achievements for the Artisans and Craftsman in a month long celebratory events.
The Srinagar City also expresses its gratitude to Govt. of India and Indian National Commission for Cooperation (INCCU) with UNESCO for unwavering support and endorsement to the application filed by Srinagar Municipal Corporation for UCCN 2021 in May this year.
Besides Commissioner SMC, Director Industries, Chief Town Planner, Saleem Beig INTACH Kashmir, Chief Town Planner Iftikhar, Director Handicrafts Mahmood Shah, Joint Commissioners, Secretary, and other senior officers were present on the occasion. (KNS)