Recreating the Ustaad-Shagird camaraderie
Kashmir has for centuries been known for its handicrafts. The region’s topography and its climatic conditions proved ideal for handicrafts and the trade flourished here for centuries together bringing name and fame for the region.
However, the past two decades have seen a neglect of this important activity with the result that the already established units for handicrafts faced closure and employment generation undertaken under this sector also took a hit quite considerably.
However, as of now the handicrafts sector still continues to garner the attention worldwide with many of the products created here getting GI tags and international recognition.
This development led to the fact that the sector still holds lot of weight and if pursued with interest the handicrafts sector can recreate the name and fame it once enjoyed.
It is in this backdrop that several schemes have been initiated by the government as well so that the age old practice of running handicrafts units and creating handmade marvels can be established.
Besides, the skill that is confined to senior craftsmen can also be transferred to the young hands so that the skill survives despite the old hands losing their ability to continue their good work.
Notably, the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir is urging the expert artisans to set up Karkhanas under its flagship Karkhandar Scheme which aims to empower master artisans to lead skill upgradation programmes, revitalizing traditional crafts on the verge of decline and fostering sustainable livelihood in the craft sector.
The Scheme provides institutional support, advanced training, and financial assistance to facilitate the transfer of traditional knowledge to the next generation, enhancing skills, wages, and market linkages through entrepreneurship.
The salient features of the Karkhandar Scheme offer special consideration to those master artisans who have demonstrated excellence in their craft, recognizing their potential to mentor emerging talents and drive revival efforts.
Importantly, the scheme has been launched in 2021 as a pilot project by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom. The Karkhandar Scheme focuses on identifying and training artisans in various crafts such as walnut wood carving, silver filigree, carpet weaving, Kani shawl weaving, Khatamband, Papier Mache, Sozni embroidery, as well as languishing crafts like glazed pottery, Numdha felting as well as Gabba and Wagguv making.
The Karkhandar Scheme has already transformed lives by sanctioning 80 units, empowering them to preserve our rich heritage while creating economic opportunities.
Kashmir’s rich tradition and its expertise to create handmade marvels, if given a chance can recreate the magic that has been spun by master craftsmen here who not only brought fame to the region but also helped the region to grow economically.
The move to establish units under the Karkhandar scheme will help recreate the Ustaad-Shagird camaraderie.
