Principal Secretary, Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta and Secretary, Rural Development Department, Mohammad Aijaz on Sunday inaugurated a three day exhibition of art, craft and cuisines "Ashakari" by the skilled and empowered SHG members of Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) at Kala Kendra Jammu.
Being organised by the JKRLM, the event celebrates the talent and craftsmanship of women Self-Help Group (SHG) members from across the Union Territory. The exhibition, being held from December 14 to 16, features 40 vibrant stalls showcasing the rich art and craft of J&K.
Suresh Kumar Gupta, praised the economic independence and empowerment of women, stating that it was a shared goal with the Prime Minister to see more and more "Lakhpati Didis." He commended the women for their resilience and ability to stand on their own feet, as demonstrated by the exhibition.
Secretary RDD, spoke about the symbol of hope that the Ashakari represents for the self help groups. He mentioned the significant impact of over 90,000 SHGs in Jammu and Kashmir, covering 7.5 lakh households.
The Secretary also emphasized the success of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, part of Prime Minister’s vision to economically empower women. He said that JKRLM is not just a scheme; it’s a movement. Women in even the remotest areas have overcome obstacles and demonstrated their strength.
The journey ahead will continue to break barriers, he added. They also visited different stalls which offers a mix of handicrafts, handlooms and culinary delights representing both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
A distinctive highlight of the exhibition was the live demonstration of traditional art forms including pottery, grass handicrafts, Basholi art and Crewel embroidery. The visitors can witness artisans skilfully crafting their products, a testament to the region's cultural legacy.
The exhibition brings together an eclectic mix of products that highlight the diverse cultural heritage and craftsmanship of J&K. Some of the featured items included Chabhri Binna from Reasi, Saffron from Pulwama, Black Zeera from Kishtwar, essential oils and Natural Fragrance diffusers from Bhaderwah, handicrafts and handlooms from Anantnag, spices and pottery items from Samba, Picanut and Wheat Pine Baskets from Poonch, Jute bags and crochet items from Jammu, Willow baskets and handbags from Ganderbal, hand-ground maize flour and pickles from Rajouri, Paper-Mache items from Bandipora, Basholi Pashmina shawls and Basholi paintings from Kathua and Crewel embroidery curtains and cushion covers from Kupwara and Budgam.
Mission Director, JKRLM, Dr Shubra Sharma, said that the exhibition symbolizes how women with skills can bring new hope for their empowerment. "Through this platform, they can showcase their handmade and handcrafted products, engage with the public and boost their confidence," she said.
Sharma highlighted the efforts being made to prepare women for such events, including skill development in embroidery, food preparation and other crafts. "Our mission is to enhance women’s skills, enabling them to earn a livelihood and become economically empowered.
This platform gives them the opportunity to interact with buyers and build their confidence," she added. She also invited the people of Jammu to attend the exhibition, urging them to support women artisans by purchasing their products.
Among others the exhibition was attended by Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kour, Secretary Kala Kendra, Javaid Rahi, Director Rural Development, Jammu, Mumtaz Ali, Director, Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, Chief Operating Officer, Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta, Director Animal Husbandry Jammu, Dr Waheeda Parveen and others.