Ganderbal, Feb 16: The 10-day workshop on “Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Kashmiri Crafts,” organised by the Design Innovation Centre (DIC), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), for the artisans, culminated at the Tulmulla Campus here on Monday.
Addressing the valedictory function, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, expressed satisfaction at the progress demonstrated by participants within a short span of time. “Even if one learns something in a single day, it is meaningful. Seeing your presentations today is heartening—it shows that learning has indeed taken place,” he observed. He proposed creation of a “digital diary” to track the progress of trainees after the workshop, ensuring sustained engagement and follow-up support. “We must see what our trainees do after they leave. Do they need additional support? Can we guide them further? Continuous mentoring is the need of the hour,” he said. CUKashmir Registrar lauded the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath and said, “such impactful initiatives are a direct reflection of the Vice Chancellor’s commitment to empowering youth and artisans through meaningful academic outreach.” Dr. Mir emphasised that while financial stability is important, the pursuit of knowledge and humility must guide one’s journey. “Search for comforts in life, not luxuries. As long as we chase only luxuries, we lose balance,” he advised.
Addressing the participants, Director, DIC, Prof. Shahid Rasool, described the workshop as “just the beginning” of a long-term engagement between the University and the artisan community. He emphasised that in today’s competitive marketplace, design and presentation play a vital role in determining a product’s visibility and success. “If you have ten products on the shelf, how will your product stand out?” he remarked, underscoring the importance of visual appeal and packaging. “What attracts you first is the design. How you package your product to make it attractive becomes the first step. Quality and content are equally important, but packaging draws the initial attention.” He elaborated on the technical nuances of design, including colour combinations, placement, aspect ratios, and proportional balance. Prof. Shahid Rasool noted that “Design is about understanding elements and playing with them creatively. Every shift in placement creates a new dimension,” he added. He urged the participants to embrace digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) as enabling tools rather than perceiving them as threats.
Speaking on the occasion, Joint Director DIC, Dr. Javid Ahmad Wani, said the workshop featured hands-on training in CAD software applications. “Resource persons guided artisans through practical exercises, encouraging experimentation with colour schemes, layout dynamics, and product visualisation,” he further said, adding that more such programmes would be conducted in near future.
Sharing their feedback, the participants expressed gratitude to the CUKashmir for organising the transformative workshop and described the 10-day training as an eye-opener. They exhibited the digital designs and prototypes developed during the workshop. Later certificates were distributed among the participants.
Coordinator, DIC, Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal conducted the proceedings and proposed the vote of thanks.