Srinagar December 16 (KNS): A small but impressive felicitation ceremony was held at Dili Haat, New Delhi by the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir to acknowledge the talent of the Handicraft artisans of Kashmir who were few days back honored with Shilip Guru and National Awards by the Central Government.
The ‘Shilp Guru Award', instituted in the year 2002, is given to the best master craftspeople who have done excellent work in the field of handicrafts for furthering the respective art by playing the role of a guru.
While congratulating the Prize winners, the Director Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir assured artisan community of all possible support. He also stressed upon preserving this unique skill that is responsible for the production of world famous Handicraft Products. Speaking on the occasion the Director appreciated the efforts of the artists and expressed that dexterousness of artisans of Kashmir could be comprehended from many artisans receiving Shilp Guru and national awards. The felicitation ceremony was organized to encourage the awardees as well as encourage skilled artisans of Kashmir to strive for success and bring a positive change to the craft landscape of the Kashmir Division.
The awards were given in different categories that included Sozni, Paper Machie, Carpet.
Shri Iqbal Hussain Khan R/o Gazi Doori and Shri Bashir Ahmad Bhat S/o Shri Baqir Ali Bhat R/o Sonpah Beerwah, were awarded Shilip Guru awards for the year 2019 & 2018 in the Paper Machie and Jamawar Shawl craft respectively.
Similarly the National awards were conferred upon Muzaffar Hussain Khushoo S/O Ghulam Hussain Khushoo R/o Kathi Maidan Srinagar( Paper Machie , 2019), Zahoor Ahmad Bhat S/o Baqir Ali Bhat R/o Shalla Bagh Zadibal( Sozni Emboridery, 2019), Safdar Ali Mir S/0 Mohammad Jaffar Mir R/O Sonpah Beerawah( Sozni Emboridery ,2018), Smt Parveza Bano W/O Mohammad Ayub Dar R/o Kathi Maidan Alamgari Bazar( Sozni Embroidery, 2018), Akthar Hussain Rather S/oMohammad Qasim Rather R/O Hawal Kral Pora( Paper machie , 2017) and Ghulam Ali Sheikh S/o Shri Naqi Sheikh R/o Shahoo Sachan Kulgam( Hand Knotted Carpet, Double Sided ,2017).
The Director H&H Kashmir on the occasion also interacted with other Handicraft artisans who were present in the Dili Haat and assured them that the Department will try to provide marketing spaces at maximum places for them during the current season.(KNS)