MENDHAR, POONCH: The Mendhar Fest 2024, organized by the Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavna, witnessed an overwhelming response with Dr. Rubia Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative emerging as the star attraction. Held at Mendhar, Poonch, the event showcased local talents and innovative initiatives aimed at empowering communities especially women and youth.
The Cocoon Artistry Stall set up by Dr. Rubia Bukhari, drew significant attention for its creative and sustainable approach to sericulture and cocoon-based artistry. The highlight of the fest was the visit of the General Officer Commanding (GoC) Ace of Spades Division, Major General Kaushik Mukherjee, who personally toured the stall and praised Dr. Bukhari’s relentless efforts to empower unemployed youth and women through her innovative cocoon artistry.
Commending the initiative, Major General Mukherjee remarked, “Through collaborations with Dr. Rubia Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative, both the Indian Army and Dr. Bukhari are working tirelessly to uplift communities and provide opportunities for self-reliance, creativity and economic growth.”
Adding to the significance of the event, students from Higher Secondary School Chamba Panjgrian, Rajouri district, who recently participated in a week-long workshop on sericulture and cocoon artistry, were also present. The workshop, organized by the Indian Army and Dr. Rubia Bukhari, provided hands-on training to these students in cocoon artistry. During the Mendhar Fest, these students demonstrated their newfound skills and expressed a keen interest in carrying forward Dr. Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative in their region.
Dr. Rubia Bukhari took the opportunity to brief the dignitaries about her initiative, which aims to revolutionize cocoon artistry and promote self-sufficiency among marginalized groups. She reiterated her vision to extend the White Revolution of Cocoon Artistry from Poonch to Kanyakumari.
Expressing her commitment to national objectives, Dr. Bukhari stated, “I aspire to be an ambassador of our Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Nari Shakti. My goal is to empower women and youth, enabling them to lead independent and dignified lives through innovative cocoon artistry.”
The Mendhar Fest 2024 served as a platform to celebrate talent, innovation and the spirit of collaboration. The participation of Dr. Rubia Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative and the enthusiastic involvement of the Chamba Panjgrian students highlighted the importance of skill-based programs in fostering sustainable livelihoods and enhancing community resilience.
