Left in awe by scenic beauty and handicrafts, several G-20 delegates pledge to boost Kashmir tourism
The Hindu
Maqbool Jan, an award-winning papier mache artist, said several delegates expressed astonishment at the art work done by hand. “This will put our artwork on the international scene,” Mr. Jan said.
Impressed by exquisite and intricate handicrafts and the surrounding enchanting scenic beauty, several foreign delegates from G-20 countries were left in awe on May 23 and pledged to forge ties with Kashmir by working towards tourism prospects.
“We had a shikara [boat] ride on the beautiful Dal Lake. It gave me a serene experience,” Chang Jae-Bok, South Korean Ambassador to India, said.
On filming popular Korean serials in Kashmir, Mr. Jae-Bok said it was doable. “It will take some time. We need to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges. It will help people of both the countries to generate interest in each other,” he added.
Also read: Kashmir G-20 meet | Last-minute changes made to itinerary of delegates over security reasons
Craft bazaar set up at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre displayed local handcrafts and evinced an interest among the visitors. Maqbool Jan, an award-winning papier mache artist, said several delegates expressed astonishment at the art work done by hand. “This will put our artwork on the international scene,” Mr. Jan said.
Sajad Ahmad, a resident of famous Kanihama village in north Kashmir known for producing Kani shawls, said the foreign delegates were introduced to fine handicrafts produced by Kashmir.
In a rare experience, the G-20 delegates were asked to try their hands by participating in the live demonstration of art works. “It was an engaging experience for the visitors. They tried their hands at artworks like Basohli painting, walnut carving, papier mache etc. Several delegates bought from the master craftsmen,” Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Director, Handicraft and Handloom, Kashmir, said.
The Madras High Court on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, rejected a plea by former special Director General of Police (DGP) Rajesh Das to restore the electricity service connection to a bungalow in Thaiyur near Kelambakkam in Chengalpattu district, and to restrain Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) officials from disturbing the power supply in future.