Srinagar, Oct 7: A delegation of the PEMA Foundation today met Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and briefed him on the Foundation’s ongoing initiatives for the promotion, preservation and betterment of the region’s artisans, exporters and traditional craft sector.
The delegation comprised PEMA Foundation President Tariq Dar, Chairman Imran Rashid and Secretary Abdul Manan Baba.
During the meeting, President Tariq Dar briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the Foundation’s work aimed at supporting artisans, promoting Kashmir’s traditional crafts and creating greater visibility and market opportunities for artisans and exporters associated with the region’s handicraft and allied sectors.
The delegation highlighted the challenges confronting artisans, including the need for improved market access, greater recognition of traditional craftsmanship, better economic opportunities and sustained institutional support. The Foundation emphasised that its efforts are focused not only on recognising outstanding craftsmanship but also on contributing to the long-term welfare, dignity and economic empowerment of artisans.
Tariq Dar also briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the Foundation’s efforts to promote Kashmiri artisans and exporters and to provide them with platforms that can help expand their reach in domestic and international markets. He stressed the importance of strengthening the ecosystem around traditional crafts so that artisans, particularly those carrying forward centuries-old skills, can benefit from emerging opportunities.
The delegation expressed its gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for his continued support and appreciation of the annual PEMA Awards. It acknowledged his encouragement as an important contribution to the success and growing stature of the PEMA Awards 2026.
The Foundation thanked the Lieutenant Governor for recognising the contribution of Kashmir’s artisans and for supporting initiatives aimed at honouring their craftsmanship and preserving the region’s rich and distinctive craft heritage.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the Foundation’s efforts and advised it to make the PEMA Awards larger, more inclusive and more representative with each passing year. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the initiative reaches artisans from every part of the Union Territory and that deserving craftspeople, including those working at the grassroots level, receive due recognition.
The delegation conveyed its commitment to further expanding the Foundation’s outreach and strengthening its initiatives for the promotion and betterment of artisans, exporters and the wider craft ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir.
The PEMA Foundation said it would continue working towards creating greater opportunities for artisans, promoting Kashmir’s craft heritage and ensuring that the contribution of the region’s skilled craftspeople receives wider recognition and support.
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