Page 50 - NIS English 16-31 August 2023

Nation Success Story

'SKILL INDIA'

REVIVES KASHMIR'S

'NAMDA' ART

'Namda' art has become an example of
how skill development can transform
people's lives. The almost extinct Namda
craft of Kashmir has got a new lease of
life again from the Skill India project of
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
(PMKVY). The extraordinary results of this
project are now becoming evident. It is
not only helping in providing employment
but its expansion has also increased the
possibilities of creating new opportunities
and prosperity in the country. It also
reflects the government's commitment to
skilling, reskilling and upskilling the youth
under the visionary leadership of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi...

azia Salim, instructor of Namda art, says age-old 'Namda' art and said, "Delighted that
Rthat I am currently teaching this art to 10 Kashmir's age-old 'Namda' art is being revived.
girls. After learning they will train 10 more girls. Now reaching the global stage after years! It
In this way, slowly this art will revive. There are is a testimony to the skill and passion of our
many boys and girls who are getting a platform. craftsmen. This is good news for the revival of
There has been a huge benefit from the training our rich heritage."
program of the government. Namda craft has been a unique heritage of
This 11th century art is being revived once Kashmir, which gradually became moribund
again through the Skill India program and Kashmir due to lack of raw material, trained man power
is witnessing its revival. The training work and market. Knowledgeable craftsmen used to
started here two years ago. Minister of State for make rugs from sheep's wool. In this, instead
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev of traditional weaving, rugs were made by
Chandrasekhar recently launched the export compressing the wool after a difficult process.
of Namda art products to the UK. Nearly 2,200 The project is a great example of the Public-Private
artisans from J&K have been trained in Namda Partnership model in the skill development sector.
craft to create new employment opportunities The project has successfully trained persons
and promote entrepreneurship, a significant in six districts of Kashmir, Srinagar, Baramulla,
milestone in preserving this traditional craft, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Budgam and Anantnag.
empowering local weavers and artisans . Prime According to an estimate, the number of Namda
Minister Narendra Modi recently tweeted and artisans will increase to 6 to 7 thousand in the
shared an article on the revival of Kashmir's next two-three years.

48 New India Samachar August 16-31, 2023