SRINAGAR: Two master artisans from Jammu and Kashmir — Khawaja Nazir Ali (Artistic Textiles) and Manzoor Ahmad Khan (Handmade Carpets, Floor Coverings, Rugs and Durries) — have been selected for the prestigious National Handicraft Awards for 2023 and 2024, the Ministry of Textiles announced on Thursday. The awards will be conferred on December 9, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as part of the National Handicrafts Week celebrations.
President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the ceremony as Chief Guest, while Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh will lead the event. Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will attend as Guest of Honour.
The National Handicrafts Awards, instituted in 1965, honour craftspersons whose work has significantly contributed to India’s cultural heritage. The Shilp Guru Awards — the sector’s highest distinction — recognise artisans who demonstrate exceptional skill, innovation and dedication to preserving traditional crafts.
National Handicrafts Week, observed from December 8 to 14 each year, features exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions and other programmes designed to highlight the socio-economic importance of the handicrafts sector and promote artisan livelihoods.
According to the Ministry, the handicrafts industry remains a crucial pillar of India’s cultural and economic landscape, supporting millions of artisans, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. The Government said it is committed to strengthening the sector through recognition, skill enhancement, technological support, financial empowerment and improved access to domestic and international markets.
