Srinagar : With the support of Indian Army, a weeklong workshop for revival of “Namda” Craft and empowerment of local populace was organized at Machhal sector in border district of Kupwara.
A weeklong skill enhancement and product development workshop using locally sheered wool for men and women of Chuntiwari, Machhal and nearby villages was organised and supported by the Indian Army culminating on October 28, an Army statement said.
The trainers Shresha, an Assistant Professor from NIFT, New Delhi, Asha Rawat, Textile Designer and Educator and Farooq Ahmad Khan, a National Awardee and Master Namda Artisan are involved in planning and imparting this training to the local populace of this border district.
The first phase of the workshop was organised September 2022 and building on the interest shown by the locals phase 2 was planned which is focusing on wet felting and needle felting techniques along with revival of Namda Craft.
The workshop was attended by more than 50 participants with an objective to encourage following of sustainable practices by embracing material available in the local ecosystem and also to explore products ranging from namda pieces, felted bags and needle felted toys which are also in line with the commercial markets.
The workshop culminated with an exhibition of products designed by the participants and planning for the next step in this direction.