Kashmir's Craft Industry

Recently, artisans from Kashmir and Central Asia reunited after nearly 500 years in Srinagar for a three-day craft exchange initiative. This event celebrated Srinagar’s recognition as a “World Craft City” by the World Crafts Council (WCC) and highlighted the shared heritage and cultural connections between the two regions.

Historical Influence of Central Asia on Kashmir's Crafts

The cultural and craft exchange between Central Asia and Kashmir has deep historical roots, which can be traced back to the reign of Zain-ul-Abidin, the 9th Sultan of Kashmir in the 15th century. Zain-ul-Abidin invited artisans from Samarkand, Bukhara, and Persia to Kashmir, enriching the local craftsmanship. This exchange laid the foundation for many of Kashmir's iconic craft traditions.

• Silk Route Influence: Located on the historic Silk Route, Srinagar became a melting pot of cultural, economic, and artistic exchanges, which significantly shaped Kashmir’s distinct crafts.

• Post-1947: Although these connections weakened after the partition in 1947, the exchange of techniques and styles continued to influence the region's handicrafts.

Craftsmanship Techniques and Cross-Cultural Exchange

Several key crafts of Kashmir show the influence of Central Asian artistry and techniques:

1. Wood Carving: Kashmiri artisans adopted intricate woodcarving techniques from Central Asia, using chisels and hammers for detailed designs.

2. Carpet Weaving: Persian weaving techniques, such as the Farsi baff and Sehna knots, were integrated into Kashmiri carpets. Patterns were often named after Iranian cities like Kashan and Tabriz, reflecting the Persian influence.

3. Embroidery: Uzbek suzani embroidery served as a precursor to Kashmir's sozini work, with similarities in floral motifs and color palettes.

World Craft City Initiative

Launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council (WCC), the World Craft City initiative recognizes cities for their contributions to cultural, economic, and social development through crafts. It helps elevate the importance of local crafts and strengthens the global market for traditional artisanal products.

• Srinagar's Recognition: In recognition of its rich craft heritage, Srinagar was designated as a World Craft City by the WCC.

• Indian Cities in the World Craft City Programme:

  • Jaipur (Rajasthan)

  • Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu)

  • Mysore (Karnataka)

Additionally, the WCC granted the ‘Seal of Authenticity of the Craft’ to Kashmir's handicrafts, certifying handmade products from Jammu & Kashmir, and aiming to provide global recognition to these crafts.

World Crafts Council Recognition for Srinagar

Formal Designation

• Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has earned the prestigious World Craft City designation from the World Crafts Council (WCC). This recognition came after a thorough evaluation by the WCC’s sub-committee earlier this year.

• The World Craft City status enhances Srinagar’s standing in the global craft community, highlighting its long-standing heritage of traditional craftsmanship and cultural diversity.

Impact on Cultural Exchange

• Enhanced Knowledge Exchange: This recognition opens doors for Srinagar to engage in cultural and knowledge exchange with other World Craft Cities, especially with those in regions such as Iran and Central Asia. These regions have historically influenced Kashmir's craft traditions, creating opportunities for collaborative efforts, workshops, and exhibitions that can further enrich the craft ecosystem.

• Cultural Diplomacy: The designation also serves as a platform for Srinagar to showcase its unique crafts and build stronger cultural ties with the rest of the world, fostering mutual respect and appreciation for diverse traditions.

Economic and Cultural Implications

Economic Boost and Export Growth

• Exports: Kashmir’s handicraft sector has already seen remarkable economic growth. Over the last five years, exports of Kashmiri handicrafts have surged from Rs. 1,000 crores to Rs. 2,000 crores, a testament to the rising demand for these unique products in international markets.

• Sector Revitalization: The World Craft City designation is expected to further revitalize the handicraft sector. By increasing global recognition, it is likely to enhance demand for products such as Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, and Papier-mâché. This will create sustainable income opportunities for artisans and encourage the continued growth of the sector.

Promotion of Craftsmen and Heritage Preservation

• Recognition of Artisans: The WCC recognition brings much-needed attention to the artisans of Kashmir, particularly those who have long remained unsung. It recognizes their craftsmanship and the traditional techniques they have preserved for generations, ensuring that their skills continue to be passed down to future generations.

• Government Initiatives: To further promote the sector, initiatives such as Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Kashmiri crafts and the development of craft tourism are supporting both economic growth and heritage preservation. The Handicrafts and Handloom Industries Department of Jammu and Kashmir has been actively involved in these efforts, ensuring the protection and promotion of these valuable crafts.

Future Prospects and Benefits

Long-Term Benefits

• Global Recognition: Being named a World Craft City provides Srinagar with a platform to enhance its visibility on the global stage. This increased exposure is expected to lead to higher sales, new tourism opportunities, and enhanced recognition of the region’s rich cultural heritage. It also opens doors to international trade fairs, collaborations with foreign designers, and access to a wider global audience.

• Skill Preservation and Development: The designation also facilitates the preservation of traditional crafts, ensuring that skilled artisans continue to practice their craft in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, it fosters the creation of networks for collaboration, where artisans can exchange ideas, techniques, and best practices to keep their crafts alive and relevant in modern times.

Economic Sustainability

• Collaborations: The global recognition provided by the World Crafts City tag could pave the way for further collaborations with other craft cities around the world. This will likely open up new markets, increase demand for Kashmiri handicrafts, and provide economic stability to the artisans involved.

Key Crafts of Srinagar

Some of the most famous and globally recognized crafts of Srinagar include:

1. Pashmina Shawls:

   • Known for their fine quality and intricate handwoven patterns, Pashmina shawls are made from the wool of the Pashmina goat, and their production involves intricate hand-spinning and weaving techniques.

2. Kashmiri Carpets:

   • Kashmiri carpets are famous for their Persian-style designs, using hand-knotted techniques. Patterns are often inspired by traditional oriental and floral motifs, and carpets feature a coded script called Taleem for design instructions.

3. Paper Mâché:

   • The art of creating objects from molded paper pulp, traditionally painted and lacquered. This technique began with simple items like pen cases and evolved into intricate surface decorations (naqashi).

4. Embroidered Textiles:

   • Techniques like Sozni (fine needlework) and Aari work are used for embroidered garments and accessories. The Sozni shawls, with Persian roots, are an iconic product of Kashmir.

5. Wood Carving:

   • Intricate designs are carved into walnut wood, which is used to make beautiful furniture and home décor items.

6. Copperware:

   • Kashmiri copperware, especially samovars (tea sets), represents the region’s ancient metalworking traditions.

7. Khatamband:

   • A distinctive ceiling art using walnut or deodar wood to create geometric patterns without nails.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for Kashmir Crafts

Kashmir's iconic crafts have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags, which protect their authenticity and heritage:

• GI Tag Crafts of Kashmir:

  • Kashmiri Carpets

  • Pashmina

  • Sozni Embroidery

  • Kani Shawl

  • Walnut Wood Carving

  • Khatamband

  • Paper Mâché

A GI tag ensures that only products made in the specific geographical region can use the product name, helping to safeguard the cultural heritage of Kashmir’s crafts.

Artisans’ Benefits from Cross-Border Cultural Exchanges

Cultural exchanges offer artisans opportunities for:

1. Skill Enhancement: Exposure to different techniques and styles enhances artisans' skills, leading to innovative products that can cater to global markets.

2. Market Expansion: Participating in international events opens new markets, allowing artisans to showcase their work to a global audience and expand their customer base.

3. Artisans as Cultural Ambassadors: Artisans who engage in cross-cultural exchanges act as ambassadors of their craft, promoting mutual appreciation for diverse traditions and encouraging global respect for their work.

Challenges Faced by Kashmiri Artisans

Despite the rich heritage, Kashmiri artisans face several challenges:

1. Workforce Participation: Approximately 92% of artisans rely on crafts for their primary income, but low wages force many to seek secondary livelihoods.

2. Gender and Wage Disparities: Women make up a significant portion of the workforce, especially in Sozni embroidery, but they face wage disparities compared to male artisans.

3. Declining Interest: Younger generations are often reluctant to continue traditional crafts due to the lack of financial stability and recognition.

4. Competition from Machine-Made Products: The influx of cheaper, machine-made alternatives has impacted demand for traditional handmade crafts.

5. Lack of Innovation: There is a need for innovation in the craft sector to stay competitive and meet the changing demands of global markets.

Government Initiatives to Promote Handicrafts

Several government schemes aim to support the handicraft industry:

• National Handicraft Development Programme

• Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme

• Shilp Didi Mahotsav

• PM Vishwakarma Scheme

• Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana

• One District One Product

These initiatives promote skill development, market access, and the preservation of traditional crafts.

Way Forward

To ensure the growth of Kashmir’s craft sector:

1. Government Support: Promoting GI tags, improving global promotion, and enhancing supply chains can help artisans gain recognition and increase profitability.

2. Educational and Training Programs: Skill development initiatives under Skill India Mission can help younger artisans innovate while preserving traditional techniques.

3. Tourism Integration: Creating craft tourism circuits will allow tourists to engage with artisans directly, boosting local economies.

4. Sustainability Practices: Encouraging eco-friendly materials will appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and open new markets.

Kashmir’s craft industry, with its deep cultural heritage and modern innovations, has the potential to thrive globally. By fostering cross-cultural exchanges, supporting artisans, and embracing sustainability, the sector can ensure the preservation and promotion of its iconic crafts for future generations

Cyclone Fengal

Cyclone Fengal, a tropical cyclone, recently made landfall over Puducherry, India. This event is significant in the context of seasonal cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal.

About Landfall

• Landfall refers to the event when the center of a tropical cyclone, or its eye, moves from over the water onto land.

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a tropical cyclone's landfall when the center of the storm moves over the coastline. The duration of the landfall varies depending on the storm’s size and the speed of the winds.

It is different from a direct hit, which occurs when the cyclone’s eyewall (core of high winds) comes ashore, but the center of the storm might remain offshore.

What Are Cyclones?

• Cyclones are powerful rotating storms characterized by a low-pressure center and high winds.

• The word Cyclone is derived from the Greek word Cyclos, meaning "the coils of a snake". The term was coined by Henry Peddington because tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea often resemble coiled serpents in the sea.

Cyclones: Definition and Types

Cyclones are powerful, rotating storms that form around low-pressure areas. The term cyclone refers to the inward movement of air around this low-pressure zone, which leads to intense weather systems. The direction of the air circulation in cyclones depends on the hemisphere in which they occur:

• Northern Hemisphere: Air circulates anticlockwise around the low-pressure center.

• Southern Hemisphere: Air circulates clockwise around the low-pressure center.

Cyclones are often associated with severe weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rainfall, and storms. They can be classified into two main types:

Types of Cyclones

1. Tropical Cyclones

• Formation: Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters in tropical and subtropical regions. These are the most powerful type of cyclones.

• Characteristics:

  • Low pressure at the center.

  • High winds near the center of the storm.

  • Heavy rainfall.

  • Warm ocean temperatures fuel these storms by providing heat and moisture to the air, which rises, creating the low-pressure system.

• Impact: Tropical cyclones are capable of causing significant damage due to their strength, size, and the torrential rainfall they bring. They are typically accompanied by storm surges, flooding, and high winds.

• Example: Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, such as Cyclone Amphan (2020) and Cyclone Fani (2019).

2. Extra-Tropical Cyclones

• Also Known As: Wave cyclones, mid-latitude cyclones, or temperate cyclones.

• Formation: These cyclones develop in the mid and high latitudes, outside the tropics, and are often associated with the polar front.

• Characteristics:

  • Less intense than tropical cyclones.

  • They typically form where cold and warm air masses meet, often around the 50°–60° latitude.

  • Cold and warm fronts are significant features, leading to less direct and more complex weather patterns.

  • Temperature contrast between warm tropical air and cold polar air creates low-pressure systems.

• Impact: Extra-tropical cyclones tend to cause moderate weather disturbances, such as rain, snow, and windstorms. However, their intensity is usually lower than that of tropical cyclones.

• Example: Cyclones that form in the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and over parts of Europe, such as the Great Storm of 1987.

Cyclone Formation Process

• Tropical Cyclones form when:

  1. Warm ocean water (at least 26.5°C) provides energy to the storm.

  2. The Coriolis effect causes the system to rotate, initiating the cyclonic motion.

  3. Rising warm air from the ocean creates a low-pressure zone.

  4. The system strengthens as air continues to rush in from surrounding areas to replace the rising air, leading to the formation of a well-defined eye and eye-wall.

• Extra-Tropical Cyclones form when:

  1. A temperature contrast exists between warm and cold air masses.

  2. A disturbance, such as a low-pressure system, moves along the polar front.

  3. The system develops a warm and cold front, generating cyclonic circulation and complex weather patterns.

Cyclone Terminology

• Eye: The calm, clear center of a tropical cyclone, where the lowest pressure is found.

• Eye-wall: A ring of intense thunderstorms that surround the eye, containing the strongest winds.

• Storm Surge: A rise in sea level caused by the winds of a tropical cyclone, which can lead to coastal flooding.

• Cyclonic Circulation: The rotation of air around the low-pressure center, caused by the Coriolis effect.

Differences between Tropical and Extra-Tropical Cyclones

Cyclone Terminology Worldwide

Cyclones are known by different names in various regions of the world:

• Typhoons: In the China Sea and Pacific Ocean.

• Hurricanes: In the West Indies (Caribbean Sea) and Atlantic Ocean.

• Tornados: In West Africa and parts of the Southern USA.

• Willy-willies: In North-Western Australia.

• Tropical Cyclones: In the Indian Ocean.

Formation of a Cyclone

Cyclones generally form under the following conditions:

1. Warm Ocean Waters: Cyclones form over warm waters (at least 26.5°C), which provide the heat and moisture needed to fuel the storm.

2. Evaporation and Rising Air: Warm water causes evaporation, creating moist, warm air that rises from the ocean surface. This causes a decrease in air pressure at the surface, leading to the formation of a low-pressure system.

3. Cyclonic Circulation: The Earth’s rotation (the Coriolis effect) causes the rising air to start rotating around the low-pressure center, developing cyclonic circulation.

4. Eye Formation: As the wind system rotates faster, the storm's eye forms at the center, creating calm and clear weather within. The difference in temperature between the warm rising air and the cooler surroundings causes the air to rise and become buoyant.

5. Dissipation: A cyclone weakens and dissipates when it moves over cooler waters, encounters dry air, or makes landfall, disrupting its source of warm, moist air.

Cyclone Nomenclature

Cyclones are named for easier communication. The names are provided by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region (Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea) are named by regional meteorological centers, including those in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Each country contributes names to a rotating list, making it easier to communicate about storms.

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• Established: In 1875, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the principal government agency for all meteorological matters in India.

• Role: IMD is under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is responsible for providing weather forecasts, cyclone warnings, and related services.

IMD plays a vital role in tracking and providing timely updates on cyclones, helping mitigate the impacts on vulnerable regions.

Cyclone Fengal: Key Takeaways

• Landfall over Puducherry: The landfall of Cyclone Fengal is a reminder of the powerful and dynamic nature of tropical cyclones.

• Preparedness: IMD's accurate forecasting and naming of cyclones play a crucial role in the preparedness and response efforts to minimize damage and loss of life.

This event underscores the importance of monitoring cyclonic activity in the Indian Ocean region and the role of agencies like the IMD in providing timely and critical information.

59th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police

Context:

The 59th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police was recently held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where the Prime Minister of India attended and participated in discussions focused on national security and policing strategies. This conference brought together top law enforcement officials from across the country to discuss pressing issues affecting security and law enforcement.

Key Highlights of the Conference

1. National Security Discussions:

   • A broad range of national security issues were deliberated upon, including:

     • Counter-terrorism

     • Left-wing extremism

     • Coastal security

     • Economic security

     • Immigration

     • Narco-trafficking

   • The aim was to develop effective counter-strategies and enhance India's overall security framework.

2. SMART Policing Initiative:

   • The Prime Minister expanded on the SMART policing initiative, which urges the police force to become:

     • Strategic

     • Meticulous

     • Adaptable

     • Reliable

     • Transparent

   • Emphasized the importance of modernizing the police force and aligning it with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).

3. Technological Integration:

   • The conference stressed the importance of technology to address challenges such as:

     • Digital fraud

     • Cyber-crimes

     • Threats posed by artificial intelligence, including deep fakes.

   • Suggested leveraging India's strengths in AI and the potential of an Aspirational India to tackle these emerging threats.

4. Urban Policing Initiatives:

   • The Prime Minister appreciated urban policing initiatives and recommended extending them to 100 cities across India.

   • The importance of utilizing technology to reduce the workload of constables and optimizing police station resources was discussed.

5. Police Hackathons:

   • PM Modi proposed the idea of organizing National Police Hackathons to find innovative solutions for key policing challenges through collaborative, problem-solving approaches.

Need for Police Reform in India

In India, police and public order are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, meaning law and order enforcement is primarily the responsibility of state governments. The need for a more efficient, transparent, and accountable police force has been widely recognized by the government, judiciary, and civil society.

Key Concerns and Challenges in Policing

1. Inadequate Infrastructure and Resources:

   • Many police stations are under-equipped, lacking essential facilities and modern technologies, which hampers their efficiency.

2. Training and Modernization:

   • Cybercrime, terrorism, and other sophisticated crimes require modern training and tools, but the existing training programs are often outdated and inadequate.

3. Technological Challenges:

   • Police often lack the necessary skills to fully utilize advanced technologies, particularly for addressing cybersecurity threats.

4. Legal and Judicial Constraints:

   • Outdated laws and lengthy judicial processes hinder swift law enforcement, calling for comprehensive legal reforms to facilitate policing.

5. Understaffing and Overburdening:

   • The police-to-population ratio in India is far below the UN recommended standards, leading to overburdened officers and affecting their performance and morale.

6. Political Interference:

   • Political interference in policing compromises the autonomy of the police force and leads to biased enforcement of the law.

7. Corruption:

   • Corruption within the force erodes public trust, making it difficult for officers to perform their duties effectively.

8. Human Rights Violations:

   • Instances of human rights violations by the police damage the public image of the police force, making it crucial to ensure accountability and respect for human rights.

Key Policy Recommendations for Police Reforms

1. National Police Commission Recommendations (1978-82):

   • Suggested measures for depoliticizing the police force, improving accountability, and enhancing the working conditions of police personnel.

2. Padmanabhaiah Committee (2000):

   • Focused on modernizing police infrastructure, improving training programs, and enhancing the recruitment process.

3. Malimath Committee (2002-03):

   • Recommended improvements in investigation techniques and better coordination between law enforcement agencies.

4. Ribeiro Committee (1998):

   • Reviewed previous recommendations and suggested ways to expedite police reforms.

5. Mooshahary Committee:

   • Focused on implementation of past recommendations, proposing further improvements in policing.

6. Supreme Court's Directions on the Prakash Singh Case (2006):

   • State Security Commissions (SSC) to lay down policy guidelines and evaluate police performance.

   • Fixed tenure and merit-based selection for key police officers, including Directors General of Police (DGP).

   • Separation of Functions between investigation and law enforcement to enhance efficiency.

   • Police Complaints Authority to handle public grievances against police officers.

Other Related Steps for Police Reform

1. Criminal Justice System Reforms:

   • Reforms to modernize laws, improve investigation techniques, and ensure better coordination among various law enforcement agencies.

2. Community Policing:

   • Encouraging community policing initiatives to build trust between the police and the public, focusing on collaborative problem-solving for local law and order issues.

3. Training and Capacity Building:

   • Continuous training programs to ensure police officers are equipped to handle emerging threats like cybercrime, human trafficking, and terrorism.

Conclusion

The 59th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police highlighted critical issues related to national security, policing strategies, and the modernization of the police force. The Prime Minister's participation and his emphasis on SMART policing, technological integration, and innovative solutions demonstrated the government's commitment to improving the capabilities, efficiency, and professionalism of India's police force. The discussions around police reforms and the adoption of modern technologies represent a vital step toward building a stronger, more responsive, and accountable law enforcement system in India.

E-Daakhil Portal

Overview

The E-Daakhil portal, launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs, is a nationwide initiative designed to provide an online mechanism for consumers to file complaints and seek redressal for disputes under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The portal is now operational across all states and union territories, with the latest launch in Ladakh in November 2024.

Key Features

• Ease of Access: The portal offers an inexpensive, speedy, and hassle-free mechanism for filing consumer complaints online.

• Online Filing: Consumers can file complaints, pay associated fees, and track the progress of their cases from the comfort of their homes.

• Simple Registration: The registration process is simple and can be completed using an OTP sent to a mobile phone or via email.

• Comprehensive Support: The portal is part of a broader effort to streamline consumer grievance redressal by facilitating quick and transparent case management.

Usage and Impact

• Widespread Adoption: Over 281,024 users have registered on the portal since its launch.

• Case Management: The portal has facilitated the filing of 198,725 complaints, with 38,453 cases resolved, addressing common issues such as:

  • Faulty products

  • Compensation disputes

  • Financial grievances

• Ease of Access: It has simplified the process for consumers, especially in remote areas, to seek justice without the need for physical visits to consumer forums.

Integration with E-Jagriti Platform

The government is also working on the development of e-Jagriti, an initiative to enhance the filing and resolution of cases. This platform will complement E-Daakhil, aiming to further transform the consumer justice system in India.

Significance

The E-Daakhil portal plays a crucial role in the digitization of India's consumer justice system, making it more accessible, efficient, and transparent. It aligns with the government's broader goals of ease of access to justice and promoting digital governance.

This initiative highlights the transformative potential of technology in improving governance and service delivery in areas that directly affect citizens' lives, such as consumer rights.

Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs)

Overview

The Ministry of Culture has established 7 Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) across India to preserve, promote, and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of various regions. These centres play a pivotal role in ensuring that the rich cultural traditions and art forms from different parts of the country are conserved, promoted, and disseminated.

Objectives and Functions

• Cultural Preservation: ZCCs aim to conserve and promote the diverse forms of arts and culture from different regions of India.

• Regional Cultural Festivals: These centres are involved in organizing and hosting several significant cultural festivals across the country, such as:

  • Hornbill Festival (Nagaland)

  • Octave

  • Tribal Dance Festival

  • Adi Bimb

  • Adi Sapta Pallav

  • Adi Lok Rang

  • Adiwasi Mahotsav

  These festivals highlight the cultural diversity of the country, particularly focusing on indigenous and tribal cultures.

• Tribal Culture Promotion: ZCCs collaborate with Tribal Research Institutes and the Tribal Research, Information, Education, Communication, and Events (TRI-ECE) to conserve and promote tribal culture, including their archives, artifacts, customs, and traditions.

• Research and Documentation: Reputed organizations and universities conduct research studies on tribal culture and address key issues faced by tribal communities.

List of Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs)

1. North Zone Cultural Centre – Patiala

2. South Zone Cultural Centre – Thanjavur

3. South Central Zone Cultural Centre – Nagpur

4. West Zone Cultural Centre – Udaipur

5. North Central Zone Cultural Centre – Prayagraj

6. Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre – Kolkata

7. North East Zone Cultural Centre – Dimapur

Significance

• Regional Representation: Each ZCC focuses on promoting the distinct cultural traditions, music, dance, art forms, and festivals specific to their regions.

• Cultural Integration: ZCCs foster cultural exchange among different regions, creating opportunities for collaboration and learning across states.

• Tribal Cultural Preservation: The role of ZCCs in promoting tribal cultures is crucial in preserving the diverse and often endangered traditions and customs of tribal communities.

Conclusion

The Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) are instrumental in preserving and promoting India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Through organizing festivals, conducting research, and supporting various cultural initiatives, these centres ensure that regional arts, tribal cultures, and traditional practices are safeguarded for future generations while also being showcased on national and international platforms.