Around 200 stalls showcase traditional crafts from across India; eight outstanding artisans honoured
Lucknow: A 10-day National Gandhi Shilp Bazaar is being organised at the Central Sanskrit University campus in Lucknow to promote traditional handicrafts, provide national recognition to local artisans and strengthen their livelihoods. The exhibition, being held from October 26 to November 4, was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Cooperation, JPS Rathore.
Sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Northern Region, under the Union Ministry of Textiles, and organised by the Uttar Pradesh State Agriculture and Rural Development Corporation Limited, the event features around 200 stalls showcasing handcrafted products by artisans from different parts of the country.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Rathore said the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments were working to empower rural and local artisans in line with the objectives of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. He said national handicraft exhibitions establish a direct link between artisans and consumers, reduce the role of middlemen and help craftsmen receive fair value for their work. He emphasised the need to organise such events regularly to promote self-reliance among artisans.
The minister and other dignitaries visited various stalls and appreciated products prepared by trainees and beneficiaries of the Jan Shikshan Sansthans in Kanpur Dehat and Lucknow, functioning under the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Handcrafted scented candles, artificial jewellery, soft toys, eco-friendly jute and paper bags, handloom products and Lucknow’s traditional chikankari garments are among the major attractions. On the eve of Karwa Chauth, women beneficiaries of the institute also demonstrated their mehendi art at the exhibition.
The Jan Shikshan Sansthan representatives presented Rathore with a chikankari memento developed under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
During the ceremony, Rathore felicitated eight outstanding artisans for their contributions to the handicrafts sector with certificates of appreciation and mementoes. Cultural competitions are also being organised to provide young participants and visitors an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents.
Uttar Pradesh State Agriculture and Rural Development Corporation Chairman Navlesh Pratap Singh, Managing Director Abbas, regional councillor Ram Krishna Yadav, Assistant Directors Raza Alam and Ravi Kumar Gaur from the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Jan Shikshan Sansthan Kanpur Dehat Director Imran Khan, Saksharta Niketan Director Saurabh Kumar Khare and Gomti Nagar Centre Director Anil Kumar Srivastava were among those present. Several officials, prominent citizens and artisans also attended the inaugural programme.
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