Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 26: Prof Aftab Ganda, the president of the World Crafts Council (WCC), Europe Region, on Tuesday hailed Kashmiri crafts, saying they have an integral connection to the region’s heritage and history. He praised the rich legacy of Srinagar’s art and craft during his visit to the city.
Prof Aftab interacted with local artisans and conveyed deep appreciation for their work during a two-day conference on promoting Kashmir’s crafts here.
“I love the crafts we see here. They are integral to the region’s heritage and history. We are very keen to explore how we can provide even more support to the artisans,” he said while speaking about the ongoing 60th-anniversary celebrations of the WCC at Srinagar’s SKICC.
The WCC (Europe) president acknowledged Srinagar’s designation as a World Craft City, a status conferred by the WCC, and highlighted its importance in preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Srinagar, known for its exquisite Pashmina shawls, world-famous carpets, and unique papier-mâchié art, joined the prestigious list of cities acknowledged by the WCC for their dedication to traditional crafts.
With today’s event, valley marks a milestone for the WCC which has been promoting the preservation and growth of crafts worldwide since its establishment in 1964. The 60th-anniversary celebrations provided a platform to celebrate the diverse craftsmanship of member regions.
