Srinagar, Oct 8: Islamia College of Science and Commerce Srinagar organised a special conversation on Kashmir’s arts, crafts and heritage, bringing together young students and practitioners to discuss the significance of Srinagar’s recognition as a World Craft City.
The programme, titled “Mashq-e-Paa’eez … Naqsh-o-Nigar”, was organised by the Design and Innovation Cell (DIC) of the college in collaboration with EdRAAK, an entrepreneurial initiative working in the field of arts, crafts and heritage in Kashmir.
Held against the backdrop of the World Crafts Council’s anniversary celebrations and the upcoming World Heritage Week, the programme focused on traditional handmade crafts, their contemporary relevance and the challenges facing Kashmir’s craft heritage, particularly in Srinagar’s old city.
College Principal Aijaz Ahmad Hakak inaugurated the session, saying the institution was encouraging young minds to take the lead in promoting arts, crafts, and heritage.
“Seminars like EdRAAK Naqsh-o-Nigar help create awareness among young students about the significance of Srinagar as a World Craft City,” he said, thanking EdRAAK for conducting activities aimed at sensitising students about Kashmir’s traditional arts and crafts.
Dr Zahoor Ahmad Jhat, Head of the Department and Head of the Design and Innovation Cell, highlighted the importance of international recognition for Srinagar’s craft heritage. He said the DIC was guiding students with creative ideas and that its collaboration with EdRAAK provided an opportunity to engage the younger generation in conversations around art and heritage.
Craft and heritage consultant and EdRAAK founder S Iliyas Rizvi, who presented “Srinagar: The Craft City”, said such initiatives were important for connecting Gen Z with Kashmir’s cultural identity.
He said the World Craft City recognition provided an opportunity to position Kashmir on the global craft map, while stressing the need to document and preserve lesser-known traditions and symbols such as Nadma, a traditional woollen textile furnishing.
NIFT graduate and visiting faculty Jasirah Qadri spoke about branding Kashmiri crafts and encouraging young people to participate in marketing and promoting traditional handmade skills.
Internationally recognised papier-mâché master craftsman Ustaad Syed Sajjad Hamedani, who teaches at the DIC, interacted with students and emphasised the need to move beyond conferences and seminars by providing mentorship and platforms to emerging craftsmen.
