The Cocoon Art Revolution

By Raja Syed Rather

Dr. Rubia Bukhari (32), a distinguished sericulturist from the border town of Poonch and the visionary Founder of the Dr. Rubia Bukhari Cocoon Artistry Initiative in Sericulture, has emerged as a trailblazer, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Residing in Surhotti, Ari, she has devoted herself to a mission that goes beyond mere entrepreneurship — preserving local culture, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, and preventing rural migration. Through her pioneering Cocoon Art and Craft Initiative, Dr. Rubia has breathed new life into an age-old practice, turning discarded cocoon shells into exquisite art pieces that offer farmers a reliable source of income and provide women with a platform for empowerment.

Rooted in self-belief and perseverance, her initiative mirrors the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat while simultaneously promoting Nari Shakti, Vocal for Local, and Make in India movements. Her work exemplifies how traditional skills can be transformed into modern economic opportunities while addressing environmental concerns by offering eco-friendly alternatives to plastic decorations in the form of cocoon-based bouquets and handicrafts.

Dr. Rubia’s academic journey reflects her passion and expertise in the field. She earned her Ph.D. in 2019 from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), completing her research on “Genetic Diversity Analysis of Indigenous Silkworm Breeds (Bombyx mori L.) using Morphological and Molecular Markers” under the guidance of Prof. Dr. R. K. Bali. Her work in silkworm biotechnology, gene manipulation, and breeding has resulted in over 55 publications in reputed journals and seven authored books. Her remarkable contributions have earned her a series of accolades, including the Young Scientist Award, Best Thesis Award, Women Researcher Award, Young Emerging Lecturer Award, Best Faculty Award (2023), and Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2025).

Before founding her initiative, Dr. Rubia served as a Lecturer, In-charge of the PG Department of Sericulture, and Campus Officer at Poonch Campus, University of Jammu. In these roles, she spearheaded academic development, promotional activities, and community outreach, coordinating awareness programs on sericulture across the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch. Witnessing farmers abandoning sericulture due to declining market prices and frequent cocoon rejection, Dr. Rubia envisioned a creative and sustainable solution. Her Cocoon Artistry Initiative not only revived this age-old craft but also encouraged environmentally conscious practices while generating alternative income streams for rural communities.

Through training camps, village programs, school workshops, and campus seminars, she continues to empower women and inspire youth to view sericulture as both a viable livelihood and a creative pursuit. Her vision extends far beyond Poonch; she aims to expand her initiative across India, from the northern borderlands to Kanyakumari, intertwining economic independence with cultural heritage. Recognizing Jammu and Kashmir as a traditional hub of silk production that supports nearly 60% of the rural population, Dr. Rubia aspires to position the region as a leading supplier of raw silk for domestic and international markets. Drawing parallels between her work and the Purple Revolution in lavender farming, she envisions Cocoon Craft as a potential White Revolution capable of transforming rural economies.

A strong advocate for farmer education, she emphasizes the adoption of modern sericulture techniques and promotes access to financial assistance through NABARD loans and subsidies. Coming from a family deeply rooted in sericulture, Dr. Rubia carries forward a rich legacy while infusing it with innovation and creativity. Her journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and a commitment to social transformation.

“I chose sericulture as my career path because of its potential to create meaningful employment, reduce poverty and prevent migration from rural areas. With a rich history in J&K, sericulture is not just an economic activity it’s a cultural heritage that deserves revival,” she said.

Today, Dr. Rubia Bukhari stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, and artisans alike. Her transformative work through the Cocoon Artistry Initiative reflects unwavering dedication to sustainability, women’s empowerment, and national self-reliance. From the borderlands of Poonch, her message resonates across the nation, demonstrating that one’s roots can indeed become the foundation for far-reaching impact. (KNO)

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this newspaper