Kashmir artists showcased creative craftsmanship in 'sculpture camp'

Parihaspora (Jammu and Kashmir), Nov. 12 (ANI): Stone sculptors from across India showcased creative and unique stone craftsmanship in sculpture camp concluded here on Sunday.

Tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir had organised the sculpture camp with an aim to provide a platform to the artists to showcase their work and promote tourism in the valley.

Jammu and Kashmir Tourism and Culture Minister, Nawang Rigzin Jora said that efforts were being made to promote heritage tourism in the valley.

"Heritage tourism can be a driving force to boost tourism. The entire state of Rajasthan is driven by heritage tourism. We should also harness the heritage resources to promote tourism," said Jora.

The carving and costumes of the sculpture speak volumes about skilled craftsmanship of the ancient Kashmiri art.

The camp commenced on November 1 at Parihaspora town located at a distance of 26 kilometres from Srinagar and is considered to be one of the popular attractions of Baramulla district.

During the 10-day camp, more than 20 artists including craftsmen from Jammu, Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan and Karnataka participated and exhibited their unique artworks.

"Students of fine arts will be benefited as they get an opportunity to see the artwork of different states and how do the artists crave, designs by developing their concepts. It is a great initiative from their learning point of view. Such camps should be organised," said Surjeet Singh, an artist from Rajasthan.

Kashmir was once dubbed the Switzerland of the east. It was once a Mecca for climbers, skiers, honeymooners and filmmakers drawn to the state's soaring peaks, fruit orchards and timber houseboats bobbing on Dal Lake in Srinagar, the summer capital.

Planeloads of India's upwardly mobile middle classes have visited the picture postcard-perfect Kashmir Valley this summer, making it the busiest tourist season since the armed revolt began in 1989.

In wake of the decline in violence in Kashmir, one gets to see various development activities taking place in every sector. One such example is the opening of ATM in the border village and recently radio cabs were also introduced.

Recently Minister of State for corporate affairs, Sachin Pilot, launched the video conferencing facility with the help of a landline phone in the state. (ANI)