SRINAGAR, APRIL 15: In a major boost to promote Kashmir craft sector, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, today inaugurated the ‘Know Your Artisan’ programme at Kashmir Haat here, under the Handicrafts and Handloom’s ongoing ‘Soulful Kashmir’ brand promotion campaign.
He also inaugurated the new GI Testing Lab, Giant LED Video Walls and launched high precision fibre analysis equipment along with DesignNWeave software, designed by IICT Srinagar.
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Hazratbal, Salman Sagar along with Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh and other senior officers of Industries & Commerce Department were also present on the occasion.
The latest edition of Soulful Kashmir campaign continues the momentum built over the past year, in line with Chief Minister’s commitments made during his Budget Speech, aimed at strengthening ‘Brand Jammu & Kashmir’ and promoting the region’s rich handicrafts and handloom heritage.
Immediately after his arrival, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Giant LED Video Wall installed at Kashmir Haat and the Know Your Artisan programme. He also inspected the Department’s new initiative of Live Demos under ‘Try Your Hands’ segment, set up to provide an immersive experience to the visitors and tourists so that they feel the hard work of artisans and back-end processes involved in making such niche crafts.
The Chief Minister himself tried his hands at warping of yarn, an arduous exercise that goes into handweaving of pashmina. He was specifically impressed by the prototypes on display designed by the School of Designs and CDI.
The Chief Minister later visited the main Exhibition Gallery where 30 display-cum-sale counters offering authentic handmade products have been set up. During his interaction with various Shilp Guru, National and J&K Awardees, he expressed deep appreciation for the initiative and the remarkable craftsmanship on display.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the initiative marks a significant step in promoting Brand J&K and enhancing the visibility of the handicrafts sector. He emphasized that artisans are the custodians of the region’s cultural identity and said the programme aims to provide them direct market access, ensure fair value for their work, and strengthen the authenticity of traditional products.
Chief Minister emphasised upon holding of such events with greater frequency and duration, so that the ‘golden hands’ and rich cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir are provided an ideal platform to reach out to a larger target audience. He directed the Handicrafts and Handloom Department to institutionalize the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative as a regular feature and to extend the present edition to maximize the outreach and impact.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged people to visit Kashmir Haat to experience the world-class art and craft created by the “magical hands” of Kashmiri artisans.
He emphasized that such visits not only allow people to witness the rich cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir firsthand, but also directly support local artisans by encouraging the purchase of authentic handmade products.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who also holds the Industries & Commerce portfolio, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to continue organizing such initiatives across multiple locations, ensuring wider visibility, enhanced market access, greater footprint of visitors and buyers and sustained socio-economic upliftment of the artisan and weaver community.
The event is expected to witness overwhelming response from visitors, tourists and stakeholders, marking yet another significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to position Jammu & Kashmir as a global hub for high-quality handicrafts and handloom products.
No: PR/DI/26/178/
Government of Jammu and Kashmir
Department of Information
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Email: dipr.jk@jk.gov.in
CM rededicates renovated War Memorial, attends 78th Raising Day of JAK LI Regimental Centre
Pays homage to fallen soldiers; honours legacy of JAK LI Regiment
SRINAGAR, APRIL 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today rededicated the renovated War Memorial and attended the 78th Raising Day celebrations of the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regimental Centre at Srinagar.
The programme was held at the Regimental Centre, where the Chief Minister, as Chief Guest, unveiled the renovated War Memorial and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to pay homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
The function was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Colonel of the JAK LI Regiment Lt. Gen. Manish Erry, Chief of Staff 15 Corps Maj Gen Saurabh Sharma, GOC 31 Sub Area Maj Gen Abhijit Mitra, Commandant JAK LI Regimental Centre Srinagar Brig. Ved Beniwal and Officers of the Regiment.
The Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army, has a rich legacy of valour and sacrifice. Originating from the J&K Militia raised during the 1947 conflict, the Regiment has played a pivotal role in major military operations, including the wars of 1965 and 1971, Operation Meghdoot in Siachen, and Operation Vijay during the Kargil conflict.
The Regimental Centre has also been recognised for its outstanding training standards and its contribution to shaping a new generation of disciplined and committed soldiers.
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