ICCR and UPIDR jointly organised ‘Kolkata Karigar Conclave’ on the occasion of 71st year of ICCR Foundation Day was celebrated with the awardees artisans and weavers of Uttar Pradesh and the awardees artisans of Kolkata. The program started with the seminar which comprise of three sessions in the artisans of both the states agreed that Cultural and Technological exchange will certainly improvise the quality and finesse of the products and increase the demand of Handicraft & Handloom.
The seminar was inaugurated by Kshipra Shukla, Chairman UPIDR in which the artisans of West Bengal & Uttar Pradesh exchanges their views. Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Hon’ble President ICCR inaugurated the exhibition ‘Craft beyond Boundaries’ which showcased incredible Handicraft and Handloom items of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Mayamaya Sikdar, National Merit Awardee showcased beautiful Kantha products while Rathindra Nath Mallick, National Awardee exhibited Coconut Shell handicrafts items. National Awardee & Shipguru Dilshad Hussain came from Moradabad to showcase Metalware items, National Awardee, Kunj Bihari Singh, Gulabi Meenakari craft from Varanasi, National Awardee Sohit Prajapati, Black Pottery from Gorakhpur. National Awardee Arti Rana, Tribal craft from Lakhimpur Kheri, National Awardee Jyotish Debanath, Moslin Jamdani from West Bengal. Hon’ble Governor Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji did the closing of the program by visiting the exhibition and visited all the stalls, interacted with every artisans and gave high appreciation for their workmanship.
While giving a speech Hon’ble Governor shown keen interest and was delighted with the presence of so many artisans under the same roof. He appreciated the association of ICCR and UPIDR and said it will open up new horizons for the artisan community. Hon’ble Governor awarded 35 artisans for significant contribution in the field of Handicraft and Handloom sector.
Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Hon’ble President ICCR said that all the gifts and momento which are to be given to their guests and during their visits abroad will be bought by the artisans. He added that apart from music and culture ICCR has added craft and textiles in their mandate which will give a new direction to the soft diplomacy.
Kshipra Shukla, Hon’ble Chairman UPIDR said ,” Artisans & weavers are the souls of our country it’s our duty to patronise them, so that the new generation may accept their traditional craft” Vocal for Local Is a new mantra which will make Bharat Atma Nirbhar” , she said.
