Poonch Campus Shines at SILKTECH 2025: Dr. Rubia Bukhari Wins 2nd Prize for Pioneering Work in Cocoon Artistry

The Lance News

Rameez Raja Srinagar

Poonch February 26 :  Dr. Rubia Bukhari, Founder of the Dr. Rubia Bukhari's Cocoon Artistry Initiative and Lecturer at the Department of Sericulture Poonch Campus University of Jammu, has made a remarkable impact at SILKTECH 2025, securing the 2nd Prize in the prestigious Poster Presentation category. The international event, dedicated to innovations in Sericulture and Silk Technology, witnessed the participation of leading experts, researchers and professionals from across the globe.

The conference which serves as a global platform for advancements in sericulture showcased cutting-edge research, sustainable silk production techniques and novel applications in the silk industry. Dr. Bukhari’s award-winning presentation highlighted the transformative potential of Cocoon Artistry, an initiative that integrates traditional silk craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression, thereby opening new avenues for sustainable employment and economic empowerment.

Director Poonch Campus, Prof. Rakesh Vaid, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Rubia Bukhari for securing the 2nd Prize at SILKTECH 2025 and bringing laurels to the University of Jammu. He commended her dedication to research and innovation in Sericulture and Cocoon Artistry, emphasizing that her achievement not only highlights the academic excellence of Poonch Campus but also strengthens its role in promoting skill development and sustainable entrepreneurship in the region.

Speaking on her achievement, Dr. Rubia Bukhari expressed her gratitude to the organizers of SILKTECH 2025 and credited the success to her dedicated research in Sericulture and Cocoon Artistry. “This recognition is a testament to the potential of Cocoon Artistry in fostering sustainable livelihoods and promoting the rich heritage of silk production in Jammu and Kashmir. My goal is to take this initiative to a global stage and contribute to the growth of Seri-Tourism in the region,” she remarked.

Her innovative approach in fusing traditional silk-based practices with modern entrepreneurship has been widely recognized and her work continues to inspire young researchers and artisans. The Cocoon Artistry Initiative, under her leadership, has played a crucial role in promoting skill development economic self-reliance, and theu revival of the silk industry in border districts like Poonch and Rajouri.

With this success, Dr. Rubia Bukhari continues her journey of innovation research and skill development, furthering the mission of Dr. Rubia Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative and positioning the region as a hub for Seri-Tourism and sustainable silk entrepreneurship.

Jammu and Kashmir administration to fulfill the promise made by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the regularization of daily wagers and contractual employees : Advocate Raja Mahmood Khan

The Lance News/Jammu

Rameez Raja/New Portal

Advocate Raja Mahmood Khan strongly urges the Jammu and Kashmir administration to fulfill the promise made by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the regularization of daily wagers and contractual employees.

It is deeply concerning that contractual employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL) have been on a hunger strike for the past five days, demanding their rightful regularization as permanent employees. These workers dedicate themselves day and night, often in harsh and challenging conditions, to restore electricity in the hilly terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite their relentless efforts, they are forced to survive on meager wages, which are insufficient to support their families amidst rising inflation.

The demand for regularization is not just limited to JKPDCL workers. Other contractual employees from various departments also deserve equal consideration, including:

Vocational Teachers (JKYNC)

J&K Rehbar-e-Khel sports employees

Public Health Engineering (PHE) workers

J&K Rural Development & Panchayati Raj employees

Special Police Officers (SPOs)

Their contributions to society are invaluable, yet they continue to suffer due to job insecurity and inadequate wages.

Advocate Raja Mahmood Khan emphasizes that this is the need of the hour, and the government must recognize the dedication of these employees by implementing a comprehensive policy for their regularization. The commitment made by the Omar Abdullah-led government during elections must now be honored. With the upcoming assembly session, this pressing issue must be addressed without delay.

The government must act immediately to secure the future of thousands of contractual employees across various departments by ensuring job security, fair wages, and a dignified livelihood.

Advocate Raja Mahmood Khan

State President, Jammu & Kashmir Revolutionary Movement

Dr. Bukhari Champions Seri-Tourism for J&K’s Economic and Cultural Revival

The   Lance    News/    Online

Rameez            Raja/    Kashmir

Jammu, February 4 : Dr. Rubia Bukhari, Founder of "The Creative Cocoon: Dr. Rubia Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative" is leading efforts to position Jammu and Kashmir as a premier Seri-Tourism destination. This initiative aims to integrate sericulture with tourism, fostering economic growth, empowering rural communities and preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Known as the "Cocoon Queen", Dr Bukhari envisions Jammu and K as a global hub where visitors can experience the silk-making journey from cocoon to cloth while supporting local artisans and farmers. She has proposed Silk Trails, Demonstration Centers and Eco-Friendly Craft Villages, allowing tourists to engage with traditional silk craftsmanship and learn about cocoon artistry.

Dr. Bukhari’s initiative has been instrumental in promoting sericulture-based skill development across J&K. In collaboration with the Indian Army, she has conducted training workshops in Poonch and Rajouri, impacting villages like Chamba, Ghambir, Dadtote and Darati and many more. As In-Charge of the PG Department of Sericulture at Poonch Campus, University of Jammu, she has introduced innovative sericulture practices, earning national recognition.

Her efforts align with Prime Minister’s vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Nari Shakti," focusing on self-reliance and women's empowerment in rural areas. With government support, the revival of J&K’s silk industry is gaining momentum, aided by initiatives like the Silk Samagra-2 Scheme and the Central Silk Board’s strategic plans.

Committed to sustainable development, Dr. Bukhari’s Seri-Tourism vision offers a path to economic resilience while preserving J&K’s silk heritage. Through her "The Creative Cocoon Dr. Rubia Bukhari's Cocoon Artistry Initiative", she continues to champion this transformative journey, blending tradition with modern entrepreneurial opportunities.