SRINAGAR: A commendation ceremony was today organized by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir at Ghulam Nabi Dar’s residence at Dana Mazar Safakadal to honor his recent accolade, the Padma Shri, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the art of wood carving, particularly on walnut.
Renowned for his craftsmanship, Ghulam Nabi has amassed acclaim over the years, receiving accolades like State Award in the year 1984 and a National Award in 1995. His artistic prowess has transcended borders, garnering appreciation in countries like Iraq, Germany, and Thailand, establishing his global reputation.
After Srinagar joined the UNESCO creative cities network, the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir launched the first craft safari from the Safakadal area, showcasing Ghulam Nabi Dar among seven other artisans. These craft safaris were instrumental in raising the profile of artisans, fostering direct connections between buyers and craftsmen, providing a deeper understanding of their craft, and enabling direct purchases from the artisans.
At the felicitation event, the Director of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir underscored the significance of the award, emphasizing that it not only brings recognition to artisans like Ghulam Nabi Dar but also reflects positively on the community and the state.
Encouraging Ghulam Nabi Dar to persist in his pursuit of excellence, the Director highlighted that such awards open doors for business opportunities and inspiration to others. He expressed optimism about positive transformations in the handicrafts sector and urged collaborative efforts between the department and awardees to elevate the realm of handicrafts to new heights.
The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, dedicated to propelling the handicraft industry forward, is exerting continuous efforts to integrate artisans into the craft safari initiative.
Alongside fostering advanced skill training, imparting knowledge of modern digital techniques, and promoting brand visibility, the department is actively facilitating the linkage of artisans with both local and global markets.
Additionally, the department is championing adoption of digital methods and ensuring social security measures for the benefit of artisans. Furthermore, the department is committed to showcasing and promoting the exquisite artifacts crafted by these artisans on e-commerce platforms.