Five handicraft products were awarded the Seal of Excellence certificate during the fifth Bhutan Seal Award function held yesterday. It is the highest number of award for Seal of Excellence since the inception of the award function in 2009.
A traditional painting of Green Tara and four textile products won the Seal of Excellence certificate.
The textile products belong to 43-year old Deki from Punakha. She made cushion covers, scarf mask, tego and cross wool sofa cover using naturally dyed textiles.
“When we get such opportunities, it enhances our market and business. When we can promote our products we can create employment opportunities which will help in the development of our country,” said Deki.
30 other products were awarded the Seal of Quality certificate.
The awards were in recognition of the creativity, authenticity and skills in arts and crafts. Eight judges consisting of national experts on crafts selected the products.
“It is a great opportunity to have received the SEAL of Quality Award and it opens up a door to a whole new level of market and promotion for us. We would be able to sell our products internationally, locally and also assure our customers to buy our products since it has been qualified and sealed by the ministry,” said Sonam Denkar who owns a company that produces wood-based products.
“We already have a curriculum in place in Green Weaving Centre, YDF where we pass down the skills from mother to child. And when the economic affairs ministry supports this kind of textile industry, it helps us to promote and also encourages us to do more,” added Tshering Choden from Green Weaving Centre under the Youth Development Fund.
Besides the awards, the economic affairs ministry will be providing promotional support and marketing incentives to the winners.
“Despite the fact that there have been a lot of challenges and difficulties posed by the pandemic, we are really happy that our artisans and producers have submitted a huge amount of products. We are trying our level best to give such kind of platform to our artisans and producers. Also, after this kind of programme we are giving them not just the certificate but benefits in the form of training,” said Kencho Dema, Trade Officer with the economic affairs ministry.
The ministry organizes the Bhutan Seal Award to provide a platform for the artisans to enhance their creativity and innovations. It is also to preserve and promote traditional arts and crafts skills and knowledge. It is held once every two years.
Kinzang Lhadon
