‘Gramshree’ and ‘Craftroots’ Exhibition Showcases More Than 90 Traditional Art Forms; Governor Calls for Linking Traditional Crafts with Modern Technology
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated a handicrafts exhibition organised by Gramshree and Craftroots at Safed Baradari in Kaiserbagh, Lucknow. The exhibition, being held from October 30 to November 3, features more than 90 artisans and craftspeople from 22 states, showcasing over 90 varieties of traditional handicrafts and handmade products.
Lighting the ceremonial lamp to mark the inauguration, the Governor appreciated the organisers for arranging the exhibition in Lucknow shortly after its five-day edition concluded in Kanpur on October 23. She emphasised the importance of dedication, perseverance and commitment towards one’s work, regardless of circumstances.
Addressing the gathering, Patel urged university vice-chancellors and teachers to encourage students to visit such exhibitions to understand the skills, creativity and techniques involved in traditional crafts. She noted that state universities had awarded D.Litt. degrees to around 12 artists and suggested inviting artisans to academic institutions to share their expertise and experiences with students.
She also proposed that technical universities explore ways to connect traditional art forms with modern technology and computers. Students could study artisans’ products and designs, develop contemporary designs and collaborate directly with craftspeople. Short, one-hour training sessions could also be organised for interested students and teachers to promote skill development and innovation.
Highlighting the importance of self-reliance and entrepreneurship, the Governor said such exhibitions provided an effective platform for promoting self-employment and making traditional artisans economically independent. She suggested bringing schoolchildren to the exhibition so they could interact with craftspeople and learn how locally available materials, including stones found in rivers and other natural resources, could be transformed into attractive and useful products.
Sharing the background of Gramshree, Patel recalled her experience in Gujarat in 2003, when she served as the state president of the BJP Mahila Morcha. She said that during a programme attended by L.K. Advani and then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, women were encouraged to develop their creative and artistic abilities alongside their family responsibilities.
Inspired by the initiative, she organised meetings with women at the party office and encouraged them to collectively showcase their talents. The women pooled their financial resources and completed the registration of an organisation, which was named Gramshree by the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Its objective was to provide recognition and a platform to women’s skills and connect their products with markets to promote economic independence.
The Governor also recalled the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and the subsequent reconstruction efforts in Kutch and Bhuj. She said the determination, hard work and collective efforts of local communities had played an important role in rebuilding the affected regions.
Emphasising the welfare of participating artisans, Patel asked the Vice-Chancellor of King George’s Medical University to arrange health check-ups for craftspeople accompanying the organisation and ensure medical consultations and medicines wherever required.
She also referred to her book, Challenges I Like, stating that the proceeds from its sale would be used to support children’s education. Girls aspiring to pursue higher education in medicine, engineering and other fields could apply for assistance, she said.
During her visit, the Governor toured various stalls and interacted with artisans representing different states. The exhibition features stonework, woodcraft, metalwork, metal sculptures, traditional shawls, sarees, textiles, jewellery and decorative accessories. She enquired about the raw materials, production techniques, traditional designs and cultural heritage associated with the products, while appreciating the artisans’ craftsmanship and efforts to preserve traditional art forms.
Participating craftspeople also shared their experiences of working with Gramshree and Craftroots, highlighting the support they received in promoting their skills, marketing their products and reviving endangered traditional crafts. Artisans welcomed the guests with handmade fabric garlands and presented them with their creations.
A special attraction at the exhibition is a stall featuring products made by girls from the Government Children’s Home, Sindhikheda, showcasing their creativity and handmade work.
The exhibition will remain open to the public daily from 10 am to 9 pm until November 3.
Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission Vice-Chairperson Aparna Yadav, Special Officer to the Governor Dr Sudhir Mahadev Bobde, Craftroots chairperson Anarben Patel, social worker Rajesh Dayal, vice-chancellors of various universities, faculty members and other distinguished guests attended the inauguration.
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