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Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s annual Punjab International Trade Expo

The Rouble Nagi Art Foundation has set up a PITEX stall showcasing Kashmiri women artisans' work as part of its Studio Saksham initiative to make rural women capable, confident, and financially independent.

2 min readAmritsarDec 8, 2025 02:23 PM IST

For the first time in it's history, the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) featured Kashmiri Women's artisan work as a part of it's Studio Saksham Initiative, focusing on the empowerment of rural women. (Express Photo)

The annual Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar has for the first time featured Kashmiri women artisans’ work. The display is part of the Studio Saksham initiative by the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), which has set up a stall at the exhibition at Ranjit Avenue.

The exhibition, running from December 4 to December 8, features handcrafted goods from over 6,000 women across India. While the stall features products from states such as Telangana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, the debut of Kashmiri craftsmanship remains the primary focus. The Kashmiri collection includes Pashmina shawls, cushion covers featuring Aari embroidery, and traditional crewel work.

According to the organisers of the exhibition, many Kashmiri women have been associated with the foundation for nearly a decade, transitioning from training programmes to becoming master craftswomen. This event marks a shift for the foundation, moving beyond training to providing Kashmiri craftsmanship with a direct market link in Punjab.’

Rouble Nagi, founder of the initiative, highlighted the economic objective behind the showcase. “Our vision is simple: to make women in villages Saksham—capable, confident, and financially independent,” Nagi stated. “When visitors support Studio Saksham, they are not just buying a product; they are uplifting a woman, preserving a tradition, and strengthening the cultural heartbeat of India.”

In addition to the Kashmiri collection, the stall displays a wide range of other regional items. These include embroidered kurtis from Uttar Pradesh, silk sarees from Gujarat, rugs from Rajasthan, and cotton satin co-ord sets from Mumbai. The initiative aims to function as a marketplace that connects rural artisans with urban buyers, eliminating middlemen.

Following the response at PITEX, the foundation has announced plans to establish a permanent centre in Punjab. The centre will focus on training local women in reviving traditional Punjabi crafts such as Phulkari and modernising them for national and global markets.

“We aim to turn local craft clusters into thriving economic ecosystems powered by women,” Nagi added.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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