Jammu, July 18 (Representative) In a landmark initiative aimed at uplifting the youth of Rajouri district, the Indian Army has joined hands with Dr Rubia Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative to organise a series of transformative workshops on sericulture and cocoon artistry. These workshops were held in the villages of Chamba and Gambhir and marked a significant step towards community development through skill enhancement and entrepreneurial encouragement. Spearheaded by the Gambhir Battalion in collaboration with Dr. Rubia Bukhari— popularly known as ‘Cocoon Queen’ for her contribution into the field and a distinguished cocoon artist, who is posted as Lecturer at the Department of Sericulture, Poonch Campus, University of Jammu—aimed to educate, inspire, and empower the youth of the region.By introducing them to the art and science of sericulture and cocoon craft, the initiative seeks to open new avenues for potential career paths and self-sustenance. As per the details available, the first workshop took place on May 18, 2024, in village Chamba, followed by another session on June 15, 2024, in village Gambhir. The events witnessed enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of individuals whereas the community’s overwhelming response highlighted their eagerness to learn and develop new skills. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, attendees gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of sericulture and cocoon artistry, laying a strong foundation for their future endeavors in these fields. Dr. Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative, which has garnered international recognition, aims to extend its reach from Poonch to Kanyakumari.Dr. Bukhari envisions becoming an ambassador for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives on Nari Shakti (women empowerment) and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and her mission is to revive the lost glory of sericulture, which was once a primary source of livelihood for the people in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.Speaking to UNI, Dr. Bukhari about this groundbreaking initiative, expressed her profound enthusiasm and optimism. She emphasized the importance of empowering the youth and women of Rajouri District through skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Our collaboration with the Indian Army is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering economic independence and revitalizing the traditional art of sericulture,” Dr. Bukhari remarked. She highlighted how these workshops are not only about imparting knowledge but also about instilling confidence and inspiring the younger generation to explore new career avenues and self-sustaining ventures. Dr. Bukhari further elaborated on her vision of expanding the Cocoon Artistry Initiative from Poonch to Kanyakumari, underscoring her dedication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives on Nari Shakti and Atmanirbhar Bharat. “Reviving the lost glory of sericulture in our region is not just a professional mission for me; it’s a personal passion. I believe that through sustained efforts and continued collaboration, we can make sericulture a viable and thriving industry once again, significantly enhancing the livelihoods of our communities,” she stated. “This partnership is particularly focused on empowering the youth and womenfolk, encouraging them to start their ventures and thereby enhancing their livelihoods,” she explained. A senior Army officer said Indian Army and Dr. Rubia Bukhari’s Cocoon artistry initiative continue their journey in twin border districts Rajouri-Poonch to empower youth through sericulture. The Indian Army, he said that in collaboration with Dr. Bukhari keep organising transformative workshops furthering the efforts to uplift communities through skill development and entrepreneurship.Director Sericulture Aijaz Ahmad Butt when contacted while terming Dr Rubia as dedicated towards cocoon innovations told UNI, “Dr Rubia is doing good by spreading awareness and connecting youth in this sector.” Butt further said that the department is making all efforts to spread awareness on sericulture and it can be taken to every household in the areas having a potential with an aim to double its production in the next five years under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HAPD). “We want more youth to join us to get skilled because the sericulture department also provides 90 percent subsidy in installing reeling units to enhance its production and also to make our youth self-reliant,” said the Director Sericulture.