Bhopal: A “Bunkar Chaupal” (Weavers’ Forum) workshop was organized on Tuesday as part of the ongoing State Handloom Expo 2026 at Gauhar Mahal. On this occasion, Pushpa Berkeley (Bhopal) and Dashrath Pathya (Gwalior)—weavers authorized by the Weavers’ Service Centre—shared the stage to recount their experiences and offer suggestions to the participants.
The objective of the workshop was to equip weavers to meet the demands of the modern market and to provide them with guidance on taking their products to a national level. During the event, Expo In-charge Arvind Sharma and retired Deputy Director Mahaur delivered special addresses, emphasizing that handlooms are not merely symbols of tradition but also serve as the foundation for the livelihoods of millions of artisans. They said that if weavers are provided with the right platforms, training, and marketing opportunities, Indian handlooms can establish a distinct global identity.
Reaching a Wider Market
During the workshop, experts engaged in direct dialogue with the weavers to understand the challenges they face and offered practical suggestions for resolving them. They placed particular emphasis on design innovation, quality improvement, and the utilization of digital platforms to enable weavers to reach a wider market with their products.
M.L. Sharma, a mentor from the Corporation, was also present at the event; while encouraging the weavers, he stated that sustainable growth in this sector is possible only by integrating traditional art forms with modern technology. He called upon the weavers to strive continuously toward self-reliance and to give a new identity to their craft.
The workshop witnessed the participation of a large number of weavers and art enthusiasts. Through dialogue and the exchange of experiences, the event proved to be not only informative but also deeply inspiring for the weaver community. According to the organizers, similar programs will continue to be organized in the future to ensure that weavers receive ongoing guidance and encouragement.
