IICT, NIELIT develop new design software to promote Kashmiri handicrafts
Srinagar, Nov 12: In a significant milestone towards integrating modern technology with traditional designs, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir today unveiled DesignNweave, an indigenous software solution, which is set to revolutionise the digital design process for famed handicrafts and handlooms of Kashmir.
The new software has been developed by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar, in collaboration with National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Srinagar, under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY), said an official statement.
The formal handover-takeover ceremony was attended by Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, Director IICT, Srinagar, Zubair Ahmad and Director I/C NIELIT, Srinagar, Ashiq Hussain Dar.
In a press statement issued here today, Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, congratulated IICT and NIELIT for putting their heads together in making a comprehensive design software which has been specifically tailored for creation and management of carpet and textile designs. “It supports traditional Taleem Design System while providing modern digital tools to facilitate innovation and production efficiency,” he added.
Some of the key features of DesignNweave include simplified navigation, rich library of patterns and motifs, instant preview, smooth data exchange and single-user licence capability.
Director IICT stated that the access of the new software shall also be provided to designers and artisans hailing from remote areas through login/password facility on very nominal charges. “After necessary approval of the competent authority is obtained, IICT shall also provide licensed copy of this software to the desirous persons associated with handicraft and handloom sectors,” he added.
Director Handicrafts and Handlooms further stated that the new software aims to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and digital innovation, thus empowering designers and artisans to sustain the rich artistic legacy of Kashmir and expanding global outreach. “We urge all stakeholders and start-up ventures in handicrafts and handlooms sector to approach IICT at Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan Srinagar for getting access to the new software which shall go a long way in creation of new innovative designs, that match demands of contemporary markets,” he added.
