Dr Jitendra, Abha, Poonam grace ‘The Splendor of Kashmir’ showcase by Varuna Anand
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: ‘The Splendor of Kashmir’ by Varuna Anand hosted an elegant showcase of its handcrafted Kashmiri Pashmina shawls at Le Meridien, New Delhi, celebrating the artistry of Kashmir while expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister of India for the reduction in GST on handicrafts from 12% to 5% – a request long championed by FICCI FLO in 2023-24.
The exhibition was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science & Technology, GOI, as Chief Guest, alongside Abha Dalmia, Co-Founder FICCI FLO, and Poonam Sharma, National President FICCI FLO, as Guests of Honour. Dr. Singh appreciated the showcase as a true celebration of India’s cultural heritage and noted that the government is committed to supporting traditional crafts and ensuring artisans receive their due recognition in national and global markets.
Abha Dalmia highlighted Varuna Anand’s tireless dedication, saying that her efforts not only preserve the legacy of Kashmiri shawl-making but also empower women and artisans at the grassroots level.
Poonam Sharma emphasized that FICCI FLO is proud to have supported the reduction in GST for handicrafts. The Splendor of Kashmir beautifully exemplifies how heritage, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods can converge, inspiring both creators and patrons alike.
Expressing her gratitude, Varuna Anand shared that hosting such dignitaries and receiving their encouragement reinforces her commitment to preserving the art of Kashmiri shawl-making while uplifting the artisans behind each creation. She added that the GST reduction is a meaningful step toward ensuring fair recognition and sustainable growth for India’s traditional crafts.
The exhibition featured an array of Pashmina shawls, each reflecting generations of meticulous weaving and embroidery, celebrating Kashmir’s enduring legacy and connecting discerning patrons with the finest works by the region’s artisans.
