Sechan te Pann, or needle and thread, indeed forms the foundation of many traditional crafts in Kashmir, reflecting the region’s deep artistic heritage. Empowering displaced Kashmiri women by preserving and reviving these traditional skills could be a powerful initiative. Not only would it safeguard cultural practices that are at risk of disappearing — such as the making of Aathor (the special earring worn by Kashmiri Pandit women) and traditional hand embroidery — but it would also provide these women with valuable economic opportunities.
By focusing on Sechan te Pann, this initiative could:
Preserve Heritage: Reviving traditional crafts would maintain Kashmir’s cultural identity and heritage, particularly among the displaced.
Create Economic Independence: Developing a sustainable market for these handmade crafts would offer a livelihood for women, allowing them to support themselves and their families.
Foster Community Bonds: Reconnecting women with generational skills can build a sense of pride and strengthen ties within the community.
HemAth, in partnership with J&K Govt. Polytechnic for Women, Jammu, launched the Sechan te Pann project through a series of skill training workshops at our Jagti Township facility, focused on Cutting and Stitching techniques.
The initiative falls under the Community Development through Polytechnic (CDTP) scheme.
Our Mission: Our primary goal is to empower displaced women by enhancing their skills to a professional level, enabling them to generate a sustainable income, and providing financial support for their families.
To ensure ongoing success, HemAth:
Community Impact
These projects were made possible through HemAth donations, ensuring that participants’ work is both meaningful and impactful for the community.
Objective: Revive and commercialize traditional Kashmiri embroidery.
Key Initiatives:
Next Steps:
Cultural Significance
HemAth’s Initiative: Shakun Malik, Founder helped preserve this art form and empower displaced women through Athor making training on Zoom.
Exclusive Offering:
Aathors with special “Kaaj” hand made of silver or golden thread available exclusively from HemAth Ladies.
Purkoo Refugee Camp Project
HemAth Special Aathor & Earrings
Expanded Product Line
Benefits: Caters to wider audience | Meets diverse market demands | Enhances income generation potential
Impact
HemAth’s initiative: Preserving heritage, creating opportunities
Aromatic Spice Blends | Premium Kashmiri Saffron | Gourmet Kashmiri Khewa Tea
In the heart of the Bohri area, HemAth’s culinary project, led by Sonu Bhat, is bringing Kashmiri flavors to life. Women skilled in the art of spice-blending craft long-lasting mixes that capture the essence of traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Their creations, enhanced by premium Kashmir-sourced saffron, offer a taste of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Among their treasures is Kashmiri Kehwa, a fragrant green tea that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Kashmir. HemAth has given this classic a creative twist, introducing saffron, rose, and cinnamon variations alongside the original blend.
Our product line now boasts:
This initiative not only preserves culinary traditions but also empowers local women by creating economic opportunities. As HemAth plans to market these products widely, they’re set to attract a diverse customer base, boost sales, and further support the community while showcasing Kashmir’s finest ingredients.
Kashmiri hand embroidery is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique styles, often reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. The delicate and intricate work includes various embroidery techniques like Sozni etc. used to create beautiful designs on garments such as shawls, sarees, and Kashmiri clothing. These techniques often feature floral and paisley patterns, echoing the natural beauty of Kashmir.
HemAth integrates Kashmiri hand embroidery into its women’s empowerment initiatives through its Sechan te Pann project, where displaced women are taught this traditional craft. By developing skills in Kashmiri embroidery, such as the fine needlework of Sozni etc, these women can earn a livelihood, sustaining themselves and their families.
Additionally, women are guided in quality control, ensuring the embroidered items meet high standards for sale in markets beyond Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative not only preserves a significant cultural art form but also fosters economic independence for these women.
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Welcome to HemAth, where we’re on a mission to bring HemAth (strength) back to our Kashmiri sisters. Born from the ashes of displacement, we’re here to rekindle the fire of hope and prosperity in our community.
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