Srinagar City in Jammu and Kashmir has achieved another feat. It has been recognised as the 'World Craft City' for its arts and cultural heritage by&nbsp;World Crafts Council.

This achievement&nbsp;celebrates the rich heritage, craftsmanship and vibrant culture of the city and marks the exemplary work of the artisans from the Kashmir valley.&nbsp;

Earlier UNESCO had included Srinagar among the most creative cities of the world and now&nbsp;this new title will give a further fillip to the arts and&nbsp;handicrafts industry of&nbsp;Kashmir valley.&nbsp;

The recognition as a World Craft City is a testament to Srinagar's longstanding tradition of excellence in handicrafts and handlooms. This acknowledgement will have a transformative impact on the sector, fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation.

With increased global recognition, Srinagar's crafts will gain enhanced visibility on the international stage, opening up new markets and opportunities for artisans.&nbsp;

"We are incredibly proud of our artisans and their remarkable contributions. Being recognised as a World Craft City is a dream come true and a motivation to continue our work with even greater passion and dedication," said Mehmood Ahmad Shah, Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir.&nbsp;

The sector is likely to attract greater investment and funding, aiding in infrastructure development and introducing modern techniques while preserving traditional methods.

Artisans will have access to advanced training programs and workshops, further honing their skills and fostering innovation in their craft. The increase in demand for Srinagar’s unique crafts is expected to boost production, leading to job creation and improved livelihoods for artisans and their families.&nbsp;

This achievement is a heartfelt recognition of the extraordinary efforts of Srinagar’s artisans. Their unmatched skill, creativity and commitment to preserving traditional crafts have sustained these arts through generations and placed Srinagar on the world map.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown steadfast support for Jammu and Kashmir's handicraft and handloom sector. He actively promotes the region's handicrafts by presenting souvenirs crafted by J&amp;K artisans to world leaders, thereby enhancing global awareness and appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the region.&nbsp;

Tourism in Srinagar is also set to benefit significantly from this recognition. The city is expected to draw more tourists interested in cultural and craft heritage, providing them with immersive experiences of the vibrant artisan communities. The city's cultural and craft heritage will attract tourists seeking authentic experiences, including visits to artisan workshops and cultural events showcasing Srinagar’s vibrant crafts.&nbsp;

The city's crafts, ranging from Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri carpets to intricate woodwork and papier-mâché, reflect the region's cultural soul and artistic genius. The designation of Srinagar as a World Craft City marks the beginning of a new chapter for the city’s handicraft and handloom sector.&nbsp;

Srinagar City in Jammu and Kashmir has achieved another feat. It has been recognised as the 'World Craft City' for its arts and cultural heritage by World Crafts Council.

Srinagar City in Jammu and Kashmir has achieved another feat. It has been recognised as the 'World Craft City' for its arts and cultural heritage by World Crafts Council. This achievement celebrates the rich heritage, craftsmanship and vibrant culture of the city and marks the exemplary work of the artisans from the Kashmir valley. Earlier UNESCO had included Srinagar among the most creative cities of the world and now this new title will give a further fillip to the arts and handicrafts industry of Kashmir valley. The recognition as a World Craft City is a testament to Srinagar's longstanding tradition of excellence in handicrafts and handlooms. This acknowledgement will have a transformative impact on the sector, fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation. With increased global recognition, Srinagar's crafts will gain enhanced visibility on the international stage, opening up new markets and opportunities for artisans. "We are incredibly proud of our artisans and their remarkable contributions. Being recognised as a World Craft City is a dream come true and a motivation to continue our work with even greater passion and dedication," said Mehmood Ahmad Shah, Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir. The sector is likely to attract greater investment and funding, aiding in infrastructure development and introducing modern techniques while preserving traditional methods. Artisans will have access to advanced training programs and workshops, further honing their skills and fostering innovation in their craft. The increase in demand for Srinagar’s unique crafts is expected to boost production, leading to job creation and improved livelihoods for artisans and their families. This achievement is a heartfelt recognition of the extraordinary efforts of Srinagar’s artisans. Their unmatched skill, creativity and commitment to preserving traditional crafts have sustained these arts through generations and placed Srinagar on the world map. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown steadfast support for Jammu and Kashmir's handicraft and handloom sector. He actively promotes the region's handicrafts by presenting souvenirs crafted by J&K artisans to world leaders, thereby enhancing global awareness and appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the region. Tourism in Srinagar is also set to benefit significantly from this recognition. The city is expected to draw more tourists interested in cultural and craft heritage, providing them with immersive experiences of the vibrant artisan communities. The city's cultural and craft heritage will attract tourists seeking authentic experiences, including visits to artisan workshops and cultural events showcasing Srinagar’s vibrant crafts. The city's crafts, ranging from Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri carpets to intricate woodwork and papier-mâché, reflect the region's cultural soul and artistic genius. The designation of Srinagar as a World Craft City marks the beginning of a new chapter for the city’s handicraft and handloom sector.

India: Srinagar recognised as 'World Craft City' for its rich artisan heritage

Do you know that global fashion brands Hermes, Christian Dior, and Louis Vuitton all share a special Indian connection? Well, all your favourite luxury brands bank on Indian ateliers to do intricate handiwork and embellishments for their catwalk and show-stopping products. In this episode of Beyond of Runway S2, we take you into the journey of how craft is the new couture.

How Indian craft is the new couture on world stage | Beyond the Runway

A Chinese cargo spacecraft carrying equipment and supplies successfully docked with the core module of the country's future space station on Sunday, state media said.&nbsp;

A Long March 7 rocket carrying the Tianzhou-2 cargo craft, loaded with essentials such as food, equipment and fuel, blasted off late on Saturday from the Wenchang launch site on the tropical southern island of Hainan, the Xinhua news agency reported.&nbsp;

The docking with the space station's Tianhe core module was completed at 5:01 am Beijing time (2101 GMT Saturday), the agency said, citing the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).&nbsp;

China will need to carry out around 10 missions in total to complete assembly of the space station, named Tiangong, meaning 'heavenly palace', in orbit. &nbsp;

The station is expected to become fully operational in 2022. Once completed, it is expected to remain in low Earth orbit for up to 15 years.&nbsp;

With the possible retirement of the International Space Station after 2028, Tiangong could become the only human outpost in Earth's orbit.&nbsp;

Now, that the cargo craft has docked, China plans to begin preparations to send three astronauts up to unpack the goods, which include meals, such as shredded pork with garlic sauce and Kung Pao chicken, the agency said.&nbsp;

"We will transport support materials, necessary spare parts and equipment first, and then our crew," Xinhua quoted CMSA director Hao Chun as saying.&nbsp;

Beijing has pumped billions into its space programme in a bid to make up ground on pioneers Russia and the United States, with ambitious projects in Earth orbit and the landing of uncrewed craft on the Moon and Mars.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Chinese cargo spacecraft carrying equipment and supplies successfully docked with the core module of the country's future space station on Sunday, state media said.

A Chinese cargo spacecraft carrying equipment and supplies successfully docked with the core module of the country's future space station on Sunday, state media said. A Long March 7 rocket carrying the Tianzhou-2 cargo craft, loaded with essentials such as food, equipment and fuel, blasted off late on Saturday from the Wenchang launch site on the tropical southern island of Hainan, the Xinhua news agency reported. The docking with the space station's Tianhe core module was completed at 5:01 am Beijing time (2101 GMT Saturday), the agency said, citing the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). China will need to carry out around 10 missions in total to complete assembly of the space station, named Tiangong, meaning 'heavenly palace', in orbit. The station is expected to become fully operational in 2022. Once completed, it is expected to remain in low Earth orbit for up to 15 years. With the possible retirement of the International Space Station after 2028, Tiangong could become the only human outpost in Earth's orbit. Now, that the cargo craft has docked, China plans to begin preparations to send three astronauts up to unpack the goods, which include meals, such as shredded pork with garlic sauce and Kung Pao chicken, the agency said. "We will transport support materials, necessary spare parts and equipment first, and then our crew," Xinhua quoted CMSA director Hao Chun as saying. Beijing has pumped billions into its space programme in a bid to make up ground on pioneers Russia and the United States, with ambitious projects in Earth orbit and the landing of uncrewed craft on the Moon and Mars. (With inputs from agencies)

China cargo craft docks with space station module 

Kashmir’s Pashmina and Sozni (needle) work is famous all over the world but with the changing market trends, this craft is gasping for survival.

However, a specially-abled man is not only trying to save this art but has also brought together 40 more people like him and created a self-help group with a focus on the revival of this craft.&nbsp;

Every morning in the neighbourhood of Gotapora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district voices singing songs of joy and love echo. It is Tariq Ahmad and his associates starting their day at work with Kashmiri folk songs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-madras-alumnis-startup-3d-prints-600sqft-concrete-home-comprising-hall-kitchen-bedroom-381123" hreflang="en">IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom</a>

Tariq is an award-winning Sozni craftsman and has been suffering from muscular dystrophy, a rare neurological disorder that leads to degeneration of muscles. His condition hasn’t held him back from starting this group of 40 craftsmen. They have aptly named it the 'Special Hands of Kashmir'.

It's the first time any such group of specially-abled people in the valley have come together and are creating unique pieces of craft.&nbsp;

"I am thankful to you for coming to us, Special Hands of Kashmir is a group of artisans who are specially-abled, I am myself 90 per cent handicap but we are committed to promote and revive the craft of Sozni. We need to bring in new designs, new products to create a market," Tariq Ahmad said. "We, at Special Hands, tried a few new things like khadi sari with Sozni work, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked people to promote Khadi. It got us inspired and we made use of it. We got a great response. We are trying to keep the traditional work alive with bringing in new changes as well.''&nbsp;

Tariq has received many national and state awards for his exemplary work. He has helped in reviving the art of Sozni in the valley and also managed to put a big group of specially-abled together to save the craft. For him, it all started from his home as two of his brothers also suffer from the same disorder as him. That has not stopped the brothers from fulfilling their dreams.

"We are three brothers, all handicapped. Our father has been working on this craft for many decades, and he encouraged us to take up this craft. People used to treat us a little different and many thought we would not do anything but beg on the streets. I wanted to do something so I decided that not only my family but I should get others who are looked down upon by society to work with us. I managed to get dozens of specially-abled people to join this group so that they can earn their livelihood&nbsp;and now I am proud of it. People who used to say they won't be able to do anything, we proved them wrong. I am sure we will have more than 1000 artisans who are specially-abled joining us in the future," Ahmad said.&nbsp;

There are around 40 specially-abled craftsmen working with Tariq and more than 500 are associated with his group indirectly. He has personally trained all of these 40 artisans and wants to create a chain where more and more people could join this group. His only goal is to work for specially-abled and make them independent.&nbsp;

"Tariq and I have known each other for long. He told me about his group and asked me to join. He convinced me that after joining I will be independent and able to earn my livelihood. Although my family is into the same craft, it was Tariq who trained me and helped me and today I am able to earn my livelihood. Now we are also asking others to join us so that they can earn their livelihood from this too,"&nbsp;said Shahnawaz Ahmad, a member of the group.&nbsp;

Tariq is not only incorporating new designs into this craft but has also become an inspiration to thousands of specially-abled across the country by giving them hope that they can achieve their dreams too.

Kashmir’s Pashmina and Sozni (needle) work is famous all over the world but with the changing market trends, this craft is gasping for survival. However, a specially-abled man is not only trying to save this art but has also brought together 40 more people like him and created a self-help group with a focus on the revival of this craft.

Kashmir’s Pashmina and Sozni (needle) work is famous all over the world but with the changing market trends, this craft is gasping for survival. However, a specially-abled man is not only trying to save this art but has also brought together 40 more people like him and created a self-help group with a focus on the revival of this craft. Every morning in the neighbourhood of Gotapora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district voices singing songs of joy and love echo. It is Tariq Ahmad and his associates starting their day at work with Kashmiri folk songs. Also read | IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom Tariq is an award-winning Sozni craftsman and has been suffering from muscular dystrophy, a rare neurological disorder that leads to degeneration of muscles. His condition hasn’t held him back from starting this group of 40 craftsmen. They have aptly named it the 'Special Hands of Kashmir'. It's the first time any such group of specially-abled people in the valley have come together and are creating unique pieces of craft. "I am thankful to you for coming to us, Special Hands of Kashmir is a group of artisans who are specially-abled, I am myself 90 per cent handicap but we are committed to promote and revive the craft of Sozni. We need to bring in new designs, new products to create a market," Tariq Ahmad said. "We, at Special Hands, tried a few new things like khadi sari with Sozni work, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked people to promote Khadi. It got us inspired and we made use of it. We got a great response. We are trying to keep the traditional work alive with bringing in new changes as well.'' Tariq has received many national and state awards for his exemplary work. He has helped in reviving the art of Sozni in the valley and also managed to put a big group of specially-abled together to save the craft. For him, it all started from his home as two of his brothers also suffer from the same disorder as him. That has not stopped the brothers from fulfilling their dreams. "We are three brothers, all handicapped. Our father has been working on this craft for many decades, and he encouraged us to take up this craft. People used to treat us a little different and many thought we would not do anything but beg on the streets. I wanted to do something so I decided that not only my family but I should get others who are looked down upon by society to work with us. I managed to get dozens of specially-abled people to join this group so that they can earn their livelihood and now I am proud of it. People who used to say they won't be able to do anything, we proved them wrong. I am sure we will have more than 1000 artisans who are specially-abled joining us in the future," Ahmad said. There are around 40 specially-abled craftsmen working with Tariq and more than 500 are associated with his group indirectly. He has personally trained all of these 40 artisans and wants to create a chain where more and more people could join this group. His only goal is to work for specially-abled and make them independent. "Tariq and I have known each other for long. He told me about his group and asked me to join. He convinced me that after joining I will be independent and able to earn my livelihood. Although my family is into the same craft, it was Tariq who trained me and helped me and today I am able to earn my livelihood. Now we are also asking others to join us so that they can earn their livelihood from this too," said Shahnawaz Ahmad, a member of the group. Tariq is not only incorporating new designs into this craft but has also become an inspiration to thousands of specially-abled across the country by giving them hope that they can achieve their dreams too.

Specially-abled artisans saving the Pashmina and Sozni craft

Grandmothers in the Siberian city of Yalutorovsk have been knitting and sewing traditional designs to make some money and keep themselves busy during the icy winter months. The craftswomen, who are ethnic Tatars, are members of the 'Ebiem Project' set up by local businesswoman Alfiya Kabirova in 2016. Ebiem is the Tatar word for 'grandmother'.

Siberian grannies knit socks and traditional caps in icy winter

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