Lucknow: In a significant step towards promoting art, craftsmanship, and research, the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Uttar Pradesh Design and Research Institute in Lucknow. In her address, the Governor praised the Institute’s work in the fields of art, design, and research and emphasized its importance for the state’s artisans, weavers, and craftsmen.
The Governor acknowledged that the museum and library at the institute offer an excellent collection for art enthusiasts, educators, and researchers, which is not only accessible to the trainees at the institute but also to students from other educational institutions across the state. She suggested that the institute should increase efforts to spread awareness about the museum and library to reach a wider audience.
Anandiben Patel highlighted the Institute’s role in providing advanced technical training and skills to artisans and weavers, blending modernity with tradition in their products. This has led to an increase in market demand for their products and has contributed to improving their economic conditions. She noted that under various government schemes, including ‘One District-One Product’, ‘Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana’, and others, the Institute has successfully trained over 75,000 artisans and weavers from 35 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
In a call to empower underprivileged women, the Governor directed the Institute to launch special training batches for them, enabling them to become self-reliant. She emphasized that this initiative would contribute significantly to society.
Governor Patel also lauded the efforts of the Craftroots organization, which, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, is working to globalize Indian handicrafts. The organization is facilitating technical support and helping enhance over 70 handicrafts and artisans from more than 22 states in India. She further stated that the Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is working towards encouraging startups and preparing youth as job providers.
In her speech, the Governor underlined the hard work and time investment required for handicraft work, praising the artisans and weavers for preserving India’s cultural heritage. She commended the role of artisans in passing down traditions from one generation to the next, making handmade products invaluable.
She also drew attention to how Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his foreign tours, presents Indian handicrafts and traditional items as gifts, showcasing their unique qualities to the world. She highlighted the Prime Minister’s initiatives to promote Khadi, which has now become a global brand.
Further, Governor Patel suggested that universities, especially art universities, should become more flexible in their admission policies to allow skilled individuals who may not be formally educated but possess outstanding craftsmanship. She advocated for providing opportunities for such individuals to work from home and further hone their skills, urging a shift in mindset to bring about national transformation.
The Governor emphasized the importance of engaging with artisans and learning from their experiences, stressing that the pricing of handicraft products should reflect the time and effort invested in their creation.
During the event, the Governor presented certificates to the top-performing students and praised their efforts, encouraging them to strive for better futures. She also visited stalls set up by various artisans, appreciating their unique skills and artworks. The Governor also launched a book titled ‘Avartanam – Tmupans vijtankpavdev’ and explored the valuable artworks and rare books preserved at the institute, commending their historical and cultural significance.
In his address, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Rakesh Sachan, spoke extensively about the work being done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to promote art and skills development. He mentioned that the government is fully committed to the development of art and skill sectors and is considering granting university status to the Uttar Pradesh Design and Research Institute. He outlined how the Institute is playing a key role in promoting traditional crafts and providing skill training to artisans and weavers, making them self-reliant through various government schemes.
Sachan emphasized that the Institute is not only preserving art but also encouraging youth to innovate and acquire new skills. He added that the government is committed to the success of initiatives like ‘One District-One Product’, ‘Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana’, and the ‘Handicraft Promotion Policy’, which are aimed at enhancing the skills and livelihoods of artisans.
The event also saw the presence of key officials such as Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Department, Kshipra Shukla, Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Design and Research Institute, Lalit Thukral, President of Noida Apparel Export Cluster, as well as students, artisans, and distinguished guests.
The event marked a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to foster creativity, skills, and entrepreneurship, particularly in the domains of traditional crafts and design.
