ADC Awantipora Highlights Gandhi’s Historic Pampore Visit; PMTC Stresses Skill Training, Artisan Handholding and Self-Reliance
Bilal Habib
PAMPORE, October 03: Production-cum-Marketing-Training Centre (PMTC) of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Pampore, celebrated the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with enthusiasm and reverence at Gandhi Park, PMTC Pampore, on Friday.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, PMTC KVIC Pampore organised a special programme to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation and pay tribute to his ideals of truth, non-violence, cleanliness and self-reliance.
A floral tribute was paid to Mahatma Gandhi by Additional Deputy Commissioner Awantipora Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Principal/Assistant Director, PMTC KVIC Pampore, Anil Kumar Sharma, Sub Inspector Javaid Ahmad, along with employees, trainees and other participants.
A number of activities were organised as part of the celebrations, including floral tributes to Bapu, live spinning and weaving demonstrations by women artisans, a cleanliness drive and a plantation drive.
Drawing and debate competitions were also organised for schoolchildren to create awareness about Gandhian values and principles.
Prizes were awarded to winners of the painting competition, enhancing the event’s festive spirit.
A pledge-taking ceremony and a rally were also organised on the occasion, with participants reaffirming their commitment to cleanliness, social responsibility and the ideals propagated by Mahatma Gandhi.
The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Awantipora, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone; Anil Kumar Sharma, Principal/Assistant Director, PMTC KVIC Pampore, Sub InspectorJavaid Ahmad, Nazim Nazir; besides employees, trainees, women artisans, schoolchildren and other participants.
The participants highlighted the continued relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings in promoting cleanliness, self-reliance, rural development, sustainable livelihoods and social harmony.
Speaking to Morning Kashmir, ADC Awantipora Mushtaq Ahmad Lone said that a special programme was organised at PMTC, KVIC Pampore, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, expressing happiness that the event was being held at a historically significant place associated with Mahatma Gandhi Ji.
He said that Mahatma Gandhi Ji had visited Pampore on August 2, 1947, where he interacted with local people and artisans, demonstrated the use of the charkha and encouraged them to become self-reliant.
“The institution at PMTC, KVIC Pampore, continues to carry forward the principles and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly his message of self-reliance,” he said.
ADC said that the institution is providing training to local artisans in traditional crafts, including papier-mâché and carpet-making, besides extending subsidies and support to people interested in establishing units related to these activities. He added that marketing support is also being provided to promote local economic activities and contribute to the development of the country.
He further said that Mahatma Gandhi Ji’s message of truth and non-violence is universal and extends beyond the boundaries of India. “When a person remains committed to truth, stands up for his rights and follows the path of non-violence, these principles can bring about positive change in society,” he said.
Referring to the freedom struggle, Lone said that Mahatma Gandhi led the movement on the principles of truth and non-violence and played a significant role in laying the foundation for a strong and independent India.
Speaking to Morning Kashmir, Anil Kumar Sharma, Principal/Assistant Director, PMTC, KVIC Pampore, said that a special programme was organised at the centre, during which cleanliness and plantation drives were conducted in the presence of the ADC Awantipora.
He said that a Sankalp Yatra was also taken out from the centre and will continue from September 17 to October 17. The campaign aims to provide proper handholding, guidance and support to artisans who undergo training at the centre.
“Training alone is not enough. After providing training, it is equally important to extend handholding support to the artisans. We connect them with various government schemes, particularly the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), so that those who wish to start their own ventures can receive the necessary financial and institutional support and create employment opportunities,” Sharma said.
He said that around 2,000 artisans have so far been trained at the centre, while nearly 4,000 artisans were trained during the previous year.
The training programmes offered at the centre include Charkha and Loom training, computer training, cutting and tailoring, papier-mâché and several other skill-based courses.
Anil Sharma further said that artisans residing in remote and far-flung areas who are unable to visit the centre are also provided training at their respective locations. “Our master trainers visit such areas and provide training to artisans at their doorstep,” he added.
