SRINAGAR: Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir successfully conducted a one-day capacity-building workshop on Branding and Packaging under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative. The workshop was held to enhance the marketing potential of traditional Kashmiri crafts and support local women artisans in reaching wider markets.

Around 100 women artisans, including those associated with Meeras Carpet Weavers Industrial Co-operative Limited, the registered proprietor of Carpet GI and other craft clusters from Srinagar district, participated with great enthusiasm. Faculty members from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Srinagar including Dr. Yasir, Syed Azhar, and Shashi Ranjan led engaging sessions that focused on practical aspects of modern branding, design innovation, and sustainable packaging.

These sessions equipped the artisans with valuable tools and knowledge to enhance the visual appeal and marketability of their products, especially those covered under the GI, ODOP, and DEH schemes. Addressing the participants, Shahid Ali, Deputy Director, Handicrafts, highlighted the need to embrace modern branding and packaging as a means of preserving the authenticity of traditional crafts while ensuring competitiveness in national and international markets. He also reiterated the Government’s sustained efforts under RAMP to build capacity and promote these practices, creating sustainable growth avenues for local producers and women artisans across Jammu & Kashmir.

The workshop concluded with overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the approach of the sessions and expressed eagerness for future initiatives. With a sustained commitment to empowering local women and craftspersons, department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir will continue to organize capacity-building workshops across the region under the RAMP initiative, a vital step toward fostering long-term socio-economic growth for artisans associated with GI, ODOP, and DEH products.

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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