To encourage the performance of two National Award winning Sozni weavers/Artists of the district, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, S F Hamid today felicitated them at DC office Complex, here.
It is apt to mention here that two Sozni weavers Bashir Ahmad Bhat and Safder Ali Dar of Sonapah Beerwah Budgam had received prestigious Shilp Guru award and National award for Sozni embroidery at the National level on 28th of November, 2022.
On the occasion, DC said, to provide encouragement and bring more zeal to the work of weavers/artisans awarded at National level this Felicitation ceremony will give more impetus to their products.
DC directed Handloom & Handicrafts Department to organise an exhibition cum interaction programme of these award winning Artisans at District level.
The DC listened to their issues which were mainly related to subsidy on raw material, international exposure, assistance in packaging and logistics, display of products at different places of the District etc.
The Assistant Director Handicrafts/Handlooms briefed that the department is endeavouring to promote the local handloom products on national and International marketing platforms and assisting the weavers/artisans to produce the finest quality handloom products to grab the market attention.
The DC praised the efforts of the Handloom department, that has pushed and promoted this process in mission mode and is working effortlessly in marketing and publicity of the work of the handloom Societies.
The DC appreciated the Shawl work of these artisans and ensured full support of District administration. He suggested the weavers to add new designs and colour to the products to popularize the Kashmiri craft at national and international level. He also presented appreciation certificates to the artisans for their efforts and contribution towards the development of handicrafts/ handlooms.
Besides, Assistant Director Handicrafts/Handlooms Budgam Mohammad Abass, DIO other officers and officials of the district were present on the occasion.
