In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Brings art and the artisan on the same pedestal
  • Link also available to download soft copy

SRINAGAR: In a landmark initiative to celebrate and safeguard Kashmir’s rich craft heritage, the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, launched an elegant hard-cover Table Book dedicated to Geographical Indication (GI)-registered crafts and the master artisans who keep them alive.

In a press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the department, emphasized that securing GI status is critical to protecting authenticity, cultural value and economic potential of Kashmir’s iconic crafts. “The Craft Table Book beautifully weaves together the stories of these GI-registered treasures and the golden hands of the maestros behind them, serving both as a visual delight and an authoritative reference,” he stated.

The initiative forms an integral part of Craft Safari - Kashmir’s flagship programme under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in which Srinagar has been designated a Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art in 2021 and extends the highly appreciated ‘Know Your Artisan’ series launched under the broader Soulful Kashmır brand promotion campaign.

Kashmir has presently 15 GI-registered crafts like hand-knotted carpet, Sozni and Kani Shawl, Papier Mache, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, Wagguv, Gabba & Numda and is presently preparing dossiers for 6 more crafts like copper and silverware, which shall be presented in GI Registry, Chennai, soon.

Designed with aesthetic sophistication by Department’s Resource Cell team and printed in premium hard-cover format, the Table Book is poised to become a collector’s item and an ambassador of Kashmir’s craft legacy. “In the coming weeks, complimentary copies will be distributed to all major Government departments, universities, colleges, schools, leading business associations, hoteliers, restaurants, and key stakeholders across J&K and beyond,” he said, adding a link for downloading soft copy is also available at https://dohh.jk.gov.in/pdf/CraftTablebook.pdf

The spokesman hoped that the publication will spark deeper appreciation of the untapped potential of Kashmiri handicrafts in global niche markets and reinforce collective commitment toward preserving these irreplaceable living traditions for future generations.

The Directorate extended its deep gratitude to the Jammu & Kashmir Government and all partners who have supported this endeavour to place Kashmir’s crafts and craftsmen on the pedestal they truly deserve.

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). “His article, ‘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.”.  Read the message here
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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