SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 10: In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening digital design capabilities in the handicraft and handloom sector, the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar, under the aegis of the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, has developed an indigenous design software named “DesignNweave.”
The software has been developed after more than four years of dedicated research and development by IICT, in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Srinagar.
While elaborating on the details of the initiative, the Director, IICT, stated that DesignNweave has been designed to be compatible with a wide range of software and hardware platforms and incorporates additional tools, commands and options aimed at enhancing the efficiency and productivity of designers and users.
He further stated that the software has been specifically developed to facilitate the creation, development and refinement of designs for carpets, Kani shawls and other handicraft and handloom products of Jammu & Kashmir. Importantly, the software also generates computerized design scripts (Talim), an indigenous system of Kashmir, for the execution of designs by the concerned artisans and weavers.
The initiative, as per an official statement, marks an important step towards promoting the adoption of modern digital design technologies while simultaneously supporting the preservation, development and commercial advancement of the rich traditional handicraft and handloom heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.
In view of the demand from stakeholders, and with the approval of the Competent Authority of IICT, Srinagar, the Institute has fixed the cost of a Single-User Licensed Copy of “DesignNweave” at ₹20,000. The pricing has been kept affordable with the objective of making the indigenous design software accessible to artisans, manufacturers, designers, stakeholders and Government organisations.
The Director, IICT, Srinagar, urged concerned stakeholders to avail the Single-User Licensed Copy of DesignNweave from the Institute at the nominal approved cost and utilise the software for improving design development, productivity and overall efficiency.
The initiative is expected to provide stakeholders with a modern, indigenous and sector-specific digital design solution while contributing to the continued growth and competitiveness of Jammu & Kashmir’s traditional handicraft and handloom sector.
