NIFT Srinagar honours local artisans on its foundation day

Srinagar, Jan 22: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Srinagar celebrated its foundation day on Monday by honouring local artisans of Kashmir.

The event was held at the NIFT campus at Ompora Budgam which combined the celebrations of achievements of the institution and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of artisans towards the revival of traditional arts and crafts.

On the occasion, several events took place which included a debate on the potential role of NIFT in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and a cleanliness drive at the campus.

Meanwhile, the management of NIFT Srinagar honoured three artisans who have played a significant role in preserving and advancing the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.

One of the artisans felicitated was Abdul Majeed Dar, a tweed weaver with exceptional abilities. Dar, who hails from a village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district a deaf and dumb tweed weaver with three decades of experience. His association with the art signifies that skill knows no boundaries.

“Despite being hearing and speech impaired, I have continued with the art of tweed weaving for three decades now. I never let my disabilities block my art and skills,” said Majeed Dar.

Another artisan from Zadibal area of Srinagar, Iqbal Hussain Wani who is seasoned craftsman with his specialisation in Paper Mache was also felicitated at the occasion.

Iqbal has an expertise in Naqashi (painting) of paper mache items.

“I have been associated with my work for the last 25 years and I have tried to preserve this traditional craft,” he said.

Abdul Gafar Sheikh from Wailo Kralpora area of Tangmarg in Baramulla district with an experience of over 40 years in carpet weaving was also honoured at the event.

“I tried to continue the legacy of high-quality carpet weaving even after the majority of the people who were earlier associated with this art shifted to alternate means of livelihood,” he said.

Director NIFT Srinagar Dr Javid Ahmad Wani said that apart from educational programs, NIFT has also immensely contributed in revival and realignment of arts and crafts. “Today’s felicitation of the golden hands associated with these crafts reaffirms our commitment,” Wani told Greater Kashmir.

In his address at the occasion, the Director highlighted the contribution of NIFT in the economic and cultural prosperity of the country.

“NIFT is a pan India institute which has grown from 01 campus in 1986 to 19 in 2024. Over the years, NIFT graduates have proven their credentials in the textile industry,” he said.

He said that NIFT alumni are providing effective leadership to the textile sector at national and international level.

“The future looks bright for us and we are ready to make a mark as an institute of eminence in Viksit Bharat @2047,” he said.

Director Indian Institute of Carpet Technology Srinagar, Zubair Ahmad was also present at the occasion. In his address, he emphasised the commitment of NIFT to inclusivity and the promotion of traditional crafts. He complimented the Director NIFT Srinagar and his team for building world class infrastructure at Campus.