SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today inaugurated the Hathkargha mela at Kashmir Haat. The event is being organized by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir and sponsored by the Development Commissioner Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

The Dy CM, while addressing on the occasion, called upon launching a major marketing and branding campaign for promotion of the Handicrafts & Handloom products of Kashmir, having readymade niche market available at global level. He also emphasized on the need for making an action plan for promotion of these world famous products.

The Dy CM, during his inspection of the stalls, interacted with the weavers and artisans and was mesmerized by the Kani shawls and Sozni work done on the pashmina shawls. He stated that artisans and weavers are the vital pillars of the society and present government will take every necessary step to make their future secure.

The Deputy CM directed the Handicrafts and Handloom Department to contemplate the possibility of procurement of some notified crafts such as crewel by the government. He emphasized the importance of creating sustainable market linkages for handloom Weavers and commended the Directorate for its ongoing efforts in promoting the sector at both national and international platforms.

Choudhary appealed the citizens, tourists, art connoisseurs and media members to visit the expo and experience firsthand the vibrancy and artistry of Kashmir handlooms which will remain open to the public till June 18, 2025. The expo featured over 60 master weavers and skilled artisans, who are showcasing an exquisite collection of handloom products, each telling a unique story of tradition, skill, and identity.

The special handloom fair is a significant initiative aimed at celebrating, preserving and promoting India's unparalleled handloom legacy, while offering an empowering platform for the artisan and weaver communities of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, Deputy Director, H&H, Kashmir, Mirza Shahid Ali Beigh, Deputy Director, Administration Hakim Riyaz UL Haq Assistant Director, Weavers Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles and Assistant Director, Handicrafts, Development Commissioner, Handicrafts (GoI) and other senior officers of the Department were present on the occasion.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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