Srinagar, July 11: Kadri Mujtaba, a well-known craft revivalist from Kashmir and the founder of the luxury pashmina brand, Me&K, has been extended a prestigious invitation to the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. He has been invited to participate in a roundtable discussion on the topic of “Gender Inclusivity in the UK-India Trade and Investment Relationship,” which is scheduled to take place on July 12th.
The roundtable event is organized by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on India (Trade & Investment) in collaboration with Kings College London. The group consists of Members of both houses, including Peers from the House of Lords and MPs from the House of Commons, and holds an influential position within the UK Parliament. Its primary objective is to promote trade and investment between India and the UK, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.
This specific discussion is part of a comprehensive project titled “Enablers and Obstacles to UK-India Trade.” The project, funded by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) and ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research), spans three years and involves collaboration among academics at King’s College London, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, and the non-academic partner, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UK).
Kadri Mujtaba’s participation brings a unique perspective to the roundtable discussion, drawing on his expertise as a craft revivalist in Kashmir and his work in promoting women’s empowerment through encouraging their involvement in the shawl industry, particularly through the promotion of hand-spinning. His valuable insights will contribute to the dialogue on inclusive trade and gender considerations, thereby strengthening the ties between India and the UK.
Kadri Mujtaba, hailing from Nishat Srinagar, is highly regarded in Kashmir as a craft revivalist. He is renowned for his efforts in preserving and promoting traditional crafts, particularly hand-spinning, which hold significant cultural and economic importance. Through his work, Mujtaba has played a pivotal role in reviving age-old techniques and empowering local artisans.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on India (Trade & Investment) is a cross-party group within the UK Parliament, composed of Members from the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Its primary focus is to enhance trade and investment opportunities between India and the UK while nurturing a strong and inclusive relationship between the two countries.
