Excelsior Correspondent
![CEC, LAHDC, Rigzin Spalbar and foreign tourists interacting after inauguration of Cashmere Craft Centre at Phobrang village.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/page9-115-300x169.jpg)
LEH, Aug 31: Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Rigzin Spalbar inaugurated Cashmere Craft Center at Phobrang village.
Sponsored by Wild Fibers Magazine and organized by Konchok Stobgais, a youth of Phobrang village who is running a travel agency on the name and style Ladakh Frontier Travel at Leh, is constructing a Cashmere Craft Center at Phobrang village.
Spalbar was accompanied by editor and publisher of Wild Fibers Magazine, Linda Cortright of USA and other co-sponsors from UAS, France and New Zealand.
The main purpose of this craft center is to empower women self help groups of Phobrang village by promoting value addition of pashmina and wool products through the latest technology of fiber spinning and weaving.
Like last year, a dozen of foot and hand driven Charkha were donated to the women groups of Phobrang. An Old woman named Sendra Helonon of USA also donated her 35 year old personal Charkha and expressed great happiness to donate her tool hoping that it will change the livelihood of women living in remotest part of the world.
Stressing upon the women community to make best use of this craft center which is at the finishing stage, CEC urged them to make this centre functional in the coming winter months and also assured to extend all possible help from Council. He hoped that this center will become one of the model craft center in Ladakh.
While speaking, Linda Cortright assured continuous support in the days to come.
Konchok Stobgais urged the inmates of the village Phobrang to be supportive in making this center a meaningful one. He added that till date more than Rs 15 lakh has been expended on this building.
On the occasion, a colorful traditional cultural programme and horse race show was also presented by the villagers.