Madhya Pradesh: The main attraction of the ‘Anuttra – Crafting Excellence‘ program, which is running from February 5th at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Bhopal, is the Craft Bazaar, which is being organized on February 7th and 8th. On February 7th, 28 stalls were set up in this market, where artisans displayed beautiful items made by their own hands.
More than 45 artisans from famous places like Chanderi, Maheshwar, Varanasi, Champa, Bhairavgarh, Nagina, Neemuch and Farrukhabad came to the Craft Bazaar. They showcased their traditional arts like Banarasi, Chanderi, Maheshwari fabrics, block prints, batik, Zardozi, lacquer crafts, terracotta, Nandana prints and jewelry crafts.
Professor Amitabh Pandey, Director of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, inaugurated this grand Craft Bazaar.
In his inaugural address, he said, “Our museum showcases living culture and connects us to the past. The beginning of fashion also started with this tradition, without any discrimination. Craft is not just heritage, but also an important pillar of today’s business and entrepreneurship.”
Prof. Pandey emphasized the need to organize a National Craft Fair collaboratively, so that artisans can get opportunities for knowledge, trade, internships and fellowships. He appealed to the local people that they should not only appreciate the handicrafts, but also empower the artisans economically by buying and promoting them.
In the “Anuttar – Crafting Excellence” program bamboo craftsman Bharat Kataria is teaching the students to make products made of bamboo. He said, “Children are taking interest in bamboo craft and are becoming aware to adopt it instead of plastic.”
Along with making bangles, stands and other handicrafts from bamboo in the workshop, training was also given to make products from cow dung. State Awardee Dharmendra Roher introduced the students to traditional techniques.
Kataria said, “The students themselves are coming up with new ideas, which is a positive step towards environmental protection and self-reliance.”
Zahabia, a student of Delhi Public School, who was the representative of the stall, said, “We have displayed various arts like wood carving, resin art, acrylic and oil painting. We are very happy to be a part of this event. This is not only a great experience for us, but it also gives us an opportunity to share our art. We hope that people will enjoy our craft and feel proud of this art.”
Gunjan Bhagat, a student of Textile Design (TD) department, said that this event provides a creative platform between artisans and students.
“We invite artisans from different states every year. This time artisans have come from Chanderi, Maheshwari, Neemuch and Varanasi,” Gunjan said.
This year NIFT has collaborated with DPS School, where the students displayed their art. This initiative is an important step towards making students understand the importance of handicrafts and promoting Indian artisans.
A painting competition is being organized on February 8th in the Craft Bazaar. School and college students can participate in it. Registration will be done on the spot. The time of the competition is from 10 am to 4 pm. Everyone will get certificates and the winners will get prizes. The prize distribution will be held at 5 pm.
The ‘Anuttar’ program was an important step towards giving recognition to Indian handicrafts all over the world, so that art can get recognition in business along with safety.
