Srinagar, Feb. 14 -- The hand-knotted silk carpet of Kashmir has long been admired as one of the finest expressions of craftsmanship, its intricate knots and luminous designs carrying the Valley's artistry across continents. Yet the decline of this industry has been deeply felt, with looms lying idle and artisans struggling to sustain themselves. The recent decision to launch structured training under a national textile programme offers a chance to reverse this decline, but its success will depend on whether it is pursued with seriousness and continuity rather than treated as a short-term intervention.

The establishment of advanced training centres across districts, equipped with modern looms and biometric systems, is a significant step....