Srinagar October 26 (KNS): Kashmir Law College, affiliated with the University of Kashmir, successfully hosted a 3-day national workshop titled “Geographical Indications (GI) Kashmir: A Heritage of Craft and Cultivation Immersive Retreat”, aimed at fostering awareness about innovation, intellectual property, and the socio-economic power of protecting local heritage through Geographical Indications.
The program was organized by Property Pro Legal, Jodhpur under the leadership of Mr. Sanjay Bafna and supported by Dr. Yasin Wani (University of Kashmir), Fayaz Nabi, General Manager (Hotel Pashm Home, Hazratbal), Mr. Naseer Zargar (Pashm Home Art from Kashmir, Munawara Abad, Srinagar) and Hastin Research.
The event began with an inaugural ceremony at Kashmir Law College, Srinagar, where distinguished dignitaries and speakers highlighted the transformative potential of intellectual property education for Kashmir’s youth. Mr. Altaf Bajaj, Chairman of Kashmir Law College, inaugurated the event, emphasizing that education remains the foundation for empowerment and sustainable progress. Dr. Saba Manzoor, Principal of Kashmir Law College, spoke about the vital role of legal education in shaping socially responsible professionals. Dr. Asma Rehman, Assistant Professor, stressed the importance of IP literacy in empowering students and innovators to value and protect their creations, particularly in the rich cultural context of Kashmir. Mr. Sanjay Bafna, Founder & Director, Property Pro Legal, shared his vision to promote the recognition and protection of Indian crafts, agricultural products, and traditional goods globally.
The multi-day event featured sessions from leading experts and academicians, each focusing on the legal, economic, and commercial aspects of GIs:
Dr.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelCholaraja Mudimannan, Assistant Professor (Sr.), Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, opened the academic sessions with a deep dive into the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, and its relevance for local products in Kashmir.
Mr. Gaurav Jain, IP Expert at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Founder, Hastin Research, discussed the legal framework and economic impact of GIs, underscoring their role in enhancing product value, empowering local communities, and fostering inclusive growth.
Dr. Nitin Bhardwaj, Professor and Deputy Dean at Lovely Professional University, delivered a data-driven session on brand building for agricultural and handicraft products, illustrating how GI-based branding strengthens India’s global presence.
Field visits to Downtown Srinagar craftsmen, Pampore’s saffron fields, and the Craft Tourism Village of Kanihama gave participants hands-on and immersive exposure to Kashmir’s rich heritage and GI-tagged crafts such as Kani, Pashmina, Saffron, Walnut wood carvings, and Paper Mache.
Sessions on digital promotion of GIs were led by Mr. Mohammad Shahid, Founder, Pentaomnia, exploring how digital tools can modernize the way regional products are marketed and protected. The “GI for Kashmir” session led by Adv. Meenu Padha detailed the social impact of GI protection in Jammu and Kashmir.
PhD research scholars presented papers on the subject, and the event was compered by Mr. Gursimran Singh and Adv. Mehul Bansal, Amritsar.(KNS)