Samba, April 7: A unique blend of tradition and modernity is currently unfolding in Jalapar village, Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. This village is home to around 250 families who have been engaged in bamboo craftsmanship for generations. Despite changing times, these artisans have not only preserved their ancestral skills but are also advancing them with new technology.
In this context, the government has established a Common Facility Center (CFC) for bamboo artisans in Jalapar village. Built at a cost of millions, this center aims to promote bamboo crafts in Jammu and Kashmir and empower the youth towards self-reliance.
Every day, a large number of young men and women visit the center for training. They learn to create various bamboo products such as jewelry, home decor items, furniture, and many other useful goods. Notably, the center is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, making the work significantly easier and faster than before.
The center houses several advanced machines for bamboo treatment and processing, including bamboo splitting machines, cross-cutting machines, and bamboo slicing machines. Tasks that once took considerable time to complete by hand can now be finished in a fraction of the time.
Trainees report that the opening of this center has brought significant changes to their lives. One trainee mentioned that a task that previously took an entire day can now be completed in just one hour. Additionally, they are now able to create more modern and attractive products.
Trainee Manjit Singh shared that this craft has been passed down from his ancestors. He was sent to Assam for training by the department, and now similar modern machines are available in Jalapar, making their work easier.
Rajendra Kumar noted that his entire family is involved in bamboo work, which sustains their livelihood. He stated that the arrival of the CFC has made their work more efficient and improved its quality.
Shefali Devi mentioned that her elders also practiced this craft, and she is continuing the tradition. She explained that some young people went to Assam for training and are now teaching others in the village. According to her, tasks that once took five days can now be completed in just one day.
Preeti Devi also expressed that she has learned a lot from the center. She shared that she is now producing various new bamboo products, and the use of machines has significantly sped up the process.
The Assistant Director of the Handicraft Department, Akshu Sharma, stated that the purpose of this Common Facility Center is to provide local artisans with a platform to enhance their skills and achieve better livelihoods. He mentioned that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Assam’s NEC BDC to facilitate the installation of advanced machinery.
He emphasized that a large number of youth are now working at this center, and the department aims to give bamboo products a new identity and promote them on a larger scale.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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