Governor Satya Pal Malik paid rich tribute to Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th Birth anniversary in a function organised by the J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board at the Raj Bhavan Auditorium here today.Sh. K. Skandan, Advisor to Governor and Chairman of the KVIB; Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Sh. Umang Narula, Financial Commissioner to Governor; Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice-Chairperson KVIB were among those present on the occasion.Governor on the occasion distributed tricycles to the specially abled persons from different parts of Kashmir Valley. He also took round of the KVIB’s stalls and appreciated the displayed products including Khadi fabric and garments, honey products and jute articles etc.Governor spoke about various significant incidents relating to Gandhiji life and his struggle for India’s freedom. He said that politically and economically empowered rural India was central to Gandhiji’s thought and the KVIB is instrumental in realising his dream by contributing to employment generation in rural areas and providing support to rural industries.
Governor complimented Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat for her efforts in reviving KVIB in J&K. He noted that the handicrafts from J&K like Pashmina are famous world over and called for devising effective schemes to give benefit to artisans involved in spinning and weaving of Pashmina shawls. He also urged for initiating process of certifying the Pashmina shawls made in J&K.Governor also felicitated the artisans Sh. Manzoor Ahmad for spinning and Sh. Ishfaq Ahmad for weaving; M/S Women’s Gallery for best unit holder under Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme; Sh. Syed Parvaz Ahmad for display of honey products, PMTC Pampore. He presented a shawl and a cheque of Rs. 50,000 to each awardee.Sh. K. Skandan, Advisor to Governor and Chairman KVIB said that the Board is actively involved in strengthening rural industries and it is considering extending its activities in urban areas also.Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice-Chairperson KVIB in her Welcome Address highlighted the achievements and future plans of the KVIB.