DC Budgam walks on ramp, promotes Kani shawl

Srinagar, Aug 07: Deputy Commissioner Budgam Akshay Labroo walked the ramp at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) on Wednesday to promote the exquisite Kani shawl.

The event, organised to celebrate the National Handloom Day showcased how handloom and handicraft products can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary fashion.

DC Budgam, who was the chief guest at the occasion was joined on the ramp by Director NIFT head office New Delhi Gaurav Mishra and other staff members of NIFT Srinagar.

They highlighted the elegance of Kashmir's Kani shawls, bringing attention to the region's rich handloom heritage.

During the function NIFT students showcased various designs of handloom products. Their artistic presentations illustrated how traditional crafts could be adapted for modern attire, blending heritage with contemporary aesthetics.

The weavers of handloom products were also invited to the function who shared their views about the handicrafts. The weavers were also honoured at the occasion.

The function organised to celebrate National Handloom Day turned into a Kashmir crafts promotional event.

Speaking at the occasion, DC Budgam appreciated the NIFT students for their artistic rich presentation of the handloom products which highlighted the potential of handloom products to be integrated in modern attires.

"National Handloom Day is a traditional celebration, and the students beautifully showcased how our handloom and handicrafts can be integrated into contemporary attire," Labroo said.

He expressed pride in witnessing NIFT's growth during his tenure in Budgam district.

"I am privileged to see NIFT growing during my tenure here. It is good to see that NIFT Srinagar has reached a stage where it is considered one of the best among all campuses," he added.

Akshay Labroo further asked the students to enjoy their time at the campus without any worries. "I on behalf of the district administration assure you that everything will be taken care of. You need not to worry about anything," he said.

Director NIFT Headquarters in Delhi Gaurav Mishra while talking to Greater Kashmir said that fashion plays an integral role in showcasing the products of handloom weavers who currently lack wide reach.

"By highlighting these items at our functions, we can demonstrate how the same products can be presented in different ways. Here, students from NIFT Srinagar have showcased Kani and other products without using pins, solely through knots, presenting them in various unique styles," he told Greater Kashmir.

He said the Government of India (GoI) was actively promoting these efforts to increase the income of our weavers and modernise their products if they have become outdated.

"NIFT plays a crucial role in this by giving their products a broader outreach. The primary aim to organise such functions is to provide wider outreach for handloom weavers," he said.

On the occasion, a national award-winning handloom weaver Farooq Ahmad Dar also shared his insights and experiences with the students.