Need for protection of regional crafts stressed

Amjad Javed, principal of Haleema English Medium School in Kalaburagi, stressed that the protection and revival of regional crafts is not just a duty, but a cultural right.

He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the three-day crafts demonstration-cum-awareness workshop held in Kalaburagi city on Thursday.

The workshop was organised by the Handicrafts Service Centre, Dharwad Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It served as a vibrant platform to celebrate the living traditions of Indian craftsmanship and to encourage young minds to embrace and preserve these age-old art forms.

Sushanta Bhuin, handicrafts promotion officer, threw light on the importance of preserving the rich artistic heritage of India. Renowned artist and resource person Rehaman Patel captivated participants with his insights into the intricate beauty, symbolism, and regional uniqueness of various handicrafts.

The event featured live demonstrations by eminent artists, including Jagdish Kamble and Vinod Raghuveer (masters of the Surpur miniature painting tradition), Vishweswaraiah T.N. (an expert in clay art), Gayathri Shilpi (a skilled wood carver), and Asha (an artisan of bamboo craft). Their artistic mastery transformed the venue into a living gallery of traditional Indian artistry.

Hundreds of students participated, witnessing the creative process and learning the stories behind each artistic stroke and chisel mark. The artists concluded the workshop with an inspiring message to nurture and sustain India’s timeless crafts for future generations.