Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 14: On Saturday, Principal Secretary of the Department of Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, alongside Secretary of the Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz, officially opened a three-day exhibition entitled ‘Ashakari’. This event showcases the artistic creations, crafts, and culinary delights from the talented and empowered members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) affiliated with the J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) at Kala Kendra Jammu.
Hosted by JKRLM, the exhibition aims to highlight the skills and creativity of women SHG members from various parts of the Union Territory. Taking place from December 14 to 16, the exhibition features an impressive array of 40 stalls that celebrate the vibrant art and craftsmanship of J&K.
During the inauguration, Gupta emphasized the importance of women empowerment, aligning this initiative with the Prime Minister’s vision to promote the emergence of more ‘Lakhpati Didis.’
Mohammad Aijaz also expressed that empowering women within communities cultivates hope and strengthens society as a whole. Click here to watch video
Visitors had the opportunity to explore various stalls showcasing an assortment of handicrafts, handlooms, and culinary specialties from both the Jammu and Kashmir regions.
A standout feature of the exhibition includes live demonstrations of traditional artistic practices such as pottery, grass handicrafts, Basohli art, and Crewel embroidery.
Highlighted items included Chabhri Binna from Reasi, Saffron from Pulwama, Black Zeera from Kishtwar, as well as essential oils and natural fragrance diffusers from Bhaderwah, alongside handicrafts and handlooms from Anantnag.
Mission Director of JKRLM, Dr. Shubra Sharma, conveyed that the exhibition symbolizes the transformative potential of women with skills to inspire hope and empowerment.
The event was well-attended by several dignitaries, including Secretary of JKAACL Harvinder Kour, Secretary of Kala Kendra Javaid Rahi, Director of Rural Development for Jammu, Mumtaz Ali; Director of Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal; Chief Operating Officer of Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta; Director of Animal Husbandry Jammu, Dr. Waheeda Parveen, among others.
