The copperware industry of Kashmir doesn’t only promote our culture, but also enables more than 6000 local artisans derive their livelihood. Unfortunately, our copperware industry has seen decline over the last ten years of time.
It is time to wake up, and direct our efforts towards preserving our copperware industry otherwise our culture, and thousands whose employment is directly or indirectly connected with it can be adversely affected in the coming years. Copperware products serve as a symbol of our art, and culture, and we should do everything possible to protect our copperware industry.
Some of the local copperware products that are produced, and distributed to the local, and national consumers are samovar, bowl, plates and even trays. These objects give us identification, and if we keep on neglecting it with time, our identification may be lost.
Causes of Decline
When we look at the causes of decline of our copperware industry, we find out that the entrance and adoption of steel and aluminium substitutes have greatly endangered the demand of our copperware products. Secondly, people buy copperware not for use but for ornamental purposes, without knowing the benefits of using copperware.
The day people began to use steel, and aluminium products, health issues became common. Copperware is more useful than steel from the health perspective.
Another cause of its decline is the recklessness shown by the industry players towards the local artisans. They don’t get their wages paid fairly and aren’t provided the proper working conditions.
Solutions to the Decline
We shall be looking at the solutions that help us improving the declining state of our copperware industry. Firstly, we will need to end the unfair treatment with our local artisans. We shall be providing them the best working conditions so that they feel safe, and secured at the workplace. Secondly, we shall be offering them fair salaries, and incentives. These moves will encourage more, and more people to work in the copperware industry, and hence our production.
Another problem we need to solve is the promotional issue. We will need to use the advanced promotional strategies to convey our traditional handiwork. Social media platforms are great ways to do our promotional campaigns.