Srinagar, July 15: Artisans from Kashmir, renowned for their exquisite paper-mâché craftsmanship, have warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gesture of gifting a traditional paper-mâché bowl to the President of Indonesia during his recent foreign visit. They regard this moment as a significant pride for the region’s handicraft industry.
Basharat Hussain, a paper-mâché artist, spoke to a news agency, highlighting that PM Modi’s action reflects appreciation for Kashmiri handicrafts and has helped showcase the region’s rich artistic heritage on an international platform. He expressed hope that this recognition would lead to increased global demand and better opportunities for local artisans.
Hussain stated, “Paper-mâché is an ancient art that came here from Persia, and we adopted it nearly 500-600 years ago. Since then, we have embraced this craft. I am personally very pleased that the Prime Minister chose it as a gift. This could bring global recognition to the art. When the Prime Minister presented the paper-mâché box to the Indonesian President, it surely makes a difference on the world stage.”
He emphasized that this gesture demonstrates how seriously the Prime Minister is committed to preserving the country’s art. Paper-mâché has become an international brand, playing a crucial role in boosting the craft’s visibility. Gaining international recognition for such crafts is a significant achievement.
Hussain also pointed out that the current situation for local crafts has been undervalued. He noted that there was a time when these crafts played a vital role in the economy, not just paper-mâché but many other arts as well. Discussing the carpet industry, he mentioned that it has faced severe setbacks and needs revitalization and preservation efforts. The government is making initiatives, but challenges may arise from other areas.
He concluded by stating that the local use of paper-mâché has helped maintain its identity.
Leave a Comment