Acknowledging the rich art and craft legacy of Srinagar, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has nominated it in the category of Creative Cities Network for 2021 in Craft and Folk Art.
Director Handloom and Handicrafts Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah while making the announcement on social media, said that a total of 49 cities have made it to the elite list.
Srinagar Mayor, Junaid Azim Mattu while sharing the news tweeted," Srinagar has been inscribed as@UNESCO ‘Creative City of Art and Craft’. The only city from India to make it to the list!
"The entire exercise was started in 2018 however our nomination was not accepted then . This year dossier preparation began in earnest and was submitted to GOI.Our application was forwarded to UNESCO on 29th of June 2021 by GOI finally the announcements were made. This nomination is the global recognition to the rich craft legacy of Srinagar", Mahmood tweeted
Responding to the announcement LG Manoj Sinha also congratulated the entire team working behind the scene. He wrote, "Srinagar included in @UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the crafts & folk art category. It is ultimate recognition for artisans & weavers of J&K. Congratulations to the entire J&K team,Junaid_Mattu Ji, AtharAamirKhan & thanks to EduMinOfIndia, MinOfCultureGoI for all the support".
LG also wrote, "Grateful to PM @narendramodi for always giving special priority to J&K. Dossier of exceptionally rich art & craft legacy of Srinagar was meticulously prepared & submitted in June this year by SMC with help of Kashmir INTACH".