SRINAGAR: Rubia Bukhari, founder of the Cocoon Artistry Initiative and a proponent of rural empowerment through sericulture, was honoured with the ‘Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ at the International Conference on Innovations and Sustainability in Livestock, Aquaculture and Sustainable Agricultural Practices (ISLASA) 2025. The conference was held at the Veterinary College in Hassan, Karnataka.
Rubia Bukhari serves as the Campus Officer and Lecturer in the Department of Sericulture at Poonch Campus, University of Jammu, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bukhari was invited to the international gathering as a Keynote Speaker and Co-Chairman during the technical sessions. In her keynote address, titled “Sericulture: An Innovative Era”, she underscored the intersection of innovation, tradition, and sustainability in sericulture. Her presentation highlighted the industry’s potential in reviving cultural heritage, advancing eco-conscious practices, and creating livelihood avenues for women and rural communities.
She also showcased her flagship programme, The Creative Cocoon Artistry, which has gained national recognition for its grassroots impact. The initiative transforms cocoon waste into eco-friendly art, enabling income generation for marginalised artisans while fostering sustainable production.
Accepting the award, Dr Bukhari expressed gratitude to the organisers and described the recognition as “a milestone in a journey that began in the border district of Poonch and aspires to connect with the entire nation, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”
