PM Modi Gifts Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl in Papier-Mache Box to Japan’s First Lady
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Aug 30 : The handicrafts and artistry of Kashmir are truly unparalleled, possessing a heritage that continues to win hearts across the globe. This legacy was yet again highlighted on the world stage on Saturday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi selected exquisite Kashmiri handicrafts as official gifts for the Prime Minister of Japan and his wife.
During his two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi as per Kashmir Despatch gifted a set of Ramen bowls with chopsticks to his Japanese counterpart. For the Japanese Prime Minister’s wife, he presented a Pashmina shawl housed in a hand-painted papier-mâché box.
The Pashmina shawl, made from the fine wool of the Changthangi goat in Ladakh, is valued worldwide for being exceptionally light, soft, and warm. Handwoven by Kashmiri artisans, it represents a centuries-old tradition once cherished by royalty. This particular shawl features an ivory base adorned with delicate floral and paisley patterns in rust, pink, and red, showcasing classic Kashmiri design and impeccable craftsmanship.
It was presented in a hand-painted papier-mâché box decorated with intricate floral and bird motifs, which further enhanced its beauty and cultural significance. Together, the shawl and the box represent the pinnacle of Kashmir’s artistry, heritage, and timeless elegance.
For the artisans of Kashmir, this moment on the world stage is a validation of their lifelong dedication and a hope for the industry’s revival.
“This is a proud moment not just for me, but for the whole of Kashmir,” said an emotional master artisan Showkat Ahmad from Budgam, who has dedicated decades to weaving intricate Kani shawls with his family. “To see our heritage presented on such a global platform… the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself speak volumes. He previously praised our art during his visit to Kashmir, and this gesture makes us hopeful that he will do much more to sustain this industry for generations to come.”
Sajad, a prominent shawl dealer in Srinagar, described while taking to Kashmir Despatch, the event as a historic milestone. “It is an incredibly proud moment for this entire industry,” Sajad remarked. “When the Prime Minister of the country himself becomes our brand ambassador, presenting our collective efforts to the world, it is a moment to cherish forever. This single act has already started conversations. We are profoundly hopeful that it will translate into a significant boost for artisans, weavers, and everyone connected to this beautiful craft.
The journey of Kashmiri handicrafts has faced significant challenges, particularly with the rise of fast fashion and a diminishing appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship. However, dedicated platforms and initiatives have been pivotal in reviving and sustaining this precious heritage. Technology has also had a profoundly positive impact; e-commerce and social media have enabled a global reach, allowing these crafts to find new markets and connect buyers directly with artisans in Kashmir, opening vital new avenues for sales and exposure.
Meanwhile, the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, is steadily reviving the Valley’s rich craft heritage through its flagship Karkhandar Scheme. This initiative aims to rejuvenate languishing crafts and empower artisans by providing them with institutional support, training, and financial assistance to ensure traditional skills are passed on to the next generation.
State, National, and Shilp Guru awardees who operate their own workshops (karkhanas) mentor young artisans, creating sustainable models of craft-based entrepreneurship and enhancing livelihood opportunities.
According to details available with Kashmir Despatch, ten new units have been sanctioned under the Karkhandar Scheme for the current financial year, with each unit allocated approximately ₹3 lakh. These units will serve as hubs for skill development, design innovation, and capacity building, helping Kashmiri crafts remain competitive in contemporary markets.
“The scheme provides artisans with market linkages, raw material support, upgraded tools, and exposure to modern design trends,” officials stated. “Young trainees are incentivized to learn directly from master craftsmen, ensuring the continuity of traditional crafts while making them economically viable.”
