SRINAGAR, AUGUST 6: Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar organized daylong seminar on “Handicrafts in Shahr-e-Khas: Challenges and Opportunities” today on 06th August 2025.
The event brought together a confluence of renowned artisans, academicians, industrialists, researchers, students, and officials from the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, all committed to rejuvenating the traditional handicrafts sector rooted in the historic downtown Srinagar popularly known as Shahr-e-Khas.
The seminar was formally inaugurated by the Principal of the College, Professor (Dr.) Tehmina Yousuf, who in her presidential address, emphasized the critical need to preserve and revitalize Kashmir’s rich artistic legacy. She underscored the importance of bridging the traditional knowledge systems of artisans with modern market mechanism through academia-industry linkages and innovation. Prof. Tehmina stated that such platforms are vital in creating sustainable, entrepreneurial, and economically viable ecosystems for the region’s heritage crafts.
The seminar witnessed insightful deliberations by eminent speakers including, Prof. Arshad Suleh, Head, Department of Art, College of Education, who deliberated on the existential challenges threatening this traditional sector such as limited global exposure, dwindling artisan engagement, and market competition from machine-made replicas.
Dr. Syed Iliyas Rizvi, Founder, Education Revival Through Art & Aesthetics in Kashmir, provided a vivid historical overview of Kashmir’s artisanal legacy. He passionately advocated for youth engagement, institutional support, and policy backing to revive the handicraft sector. gave crystal clear picture of the Art and artesian of the Kashmir in general and Shaher-e-Khaas in particular.
Dr. Syed Iliyas Rizvi, took the audiences back into the days of history when this art was the backbone of Kashmir. Dr. Syed Iliyas Rizvi, stressed the importance of institutional support and youth participation to rejuvenate the handicraft ecosystem. He gave insights picture on heritage conservation, export challenges, design innovation, digital marketing, to policy interventions and incubation opportunities.
Prof. Fayaz A. Nika, Director, DIC Dean, School of Management Studies, Central University of Kashmir, highlighted the role of higher education institutions and scientific innovation in revitalizing the crafts industry and addressing bottlenecks.
Ms. Aamina Asad, Chief Designer, Department of Handicrafts & Handlooms, J&K, and Dr. Yasir A. Mir, Assistant Professor, NIFT Srinagar, who both contributed with key insights on design innovation, modern branding strategies, and digital outreach.
Several artisans from the downtown areas of Srinagar enriched the event with their lived experiences, highlighting on-ground realities and the resilience of the craft sector. The event also attracted research scholars and experts from reputed institutions and central universities.
Principal Professor Tehmina Yousuf, in her concluding remarks, lauded the Innovation & Incubation Centre for conceptualizing and executing a seminar of contemporary relevance in the campus. She reiterated the College’s commitment towards supporting indigenous craft practices, artisan welfare, and community-based entrepreneurship through sustained academic and institutional engagement.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Zahoor A. Jhat, who expressed sincere gratitude to all speakers, participants, guests, media representatives, and college administration for their support in making the seminar a resounding success. The proceedings of the seminar were eloquently anchored by Miss Tanzella, a 5th Semester student of the College.