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Celebration of skill
IT IS going to be a four-day celebration of traditional arts and crafts. Starting from today till February 21, people will throng the DBS Galleria (31 A, Cathedral Road) to buy the exquisite works of master craftspersons from all over India.
The Paramparik Karigar exhibition will also provide a unique opportunity to meet and interact with the craftspersons.
There will be Mithila paintings of Bihar, Kantha embroidery (West Bengal), Pattachitra, Ikkat, natural dye and handloom textiles and Pipli patchwork from Orissa, Gadwakam, Lohakam and Maheshwari saris of Madhya Pradesh, the famous wall hangings of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh dhurries, Gujarat's Patola saris, Rajasthan's miniature art and Bagru work and woven silks of Benaras. Paramparik Karigar, an association of craftspersons, was formed in 1982 under the patronage of the late Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Roshan Kalapesi. It aims to promote the skills of our traditional artisans and to help their dwindling tribe flourish.
The organisation holds regular seminars, exhibitions and fairs for the people to admire and appreciate the beauty of these ancient arts and save them from fading into oblivion. The craftsmen are encouraged to incorporate new technologies and create new designs and styles.
Kamaladevi's long-term vision was to create a society where craft and art education lead to the development of holistic values of art appreciation.
The most important role of the organisation is bringing the craftspeople directly in touch with the buyers, avoiding middlemen and ensuring they receive the full benefit for their work.
The members of Paramparik Karigar work in materials as diverse as clay, wood, metal and cloth using skills and techniques passed down through generations. Realising the need to appeal to contemporary tastes, the craftsmen are eager to experiment with new concepts and develop innovative designs even while retaining the essence of the old. There are many like Gadwakam sculptor Jaidev Baghel, who strike a perfect balance between heritage and modern requirements, creating works of art that are globally sought after.
Besides, the organisation also tries to stem the exodus of craftsmen from villages to cities and towns. The firm belief that empowering rural talent is the definite solution to preserving and promoting craft is reflected in the spirit of Khatri Arab Hassam's family - the only one in the country that continues to uphold the centuries-old family skill of producing the breathtakingly intricate Rogan Kala.
From a membership of eight to 2000, the organisation has come a long way in its mission. There are also several volunteers, who over the years have helped by arranging for funds and sponsors and participating in organising the seminars and exhibitions.
As a major initiative and given the compelling need to involve various segments of society, the management committee of the Paramparik Karigar recently took the decision to invite the Indian corporate sector to become partners in the cause.
If any organisation or individual wants to help the craftsmen all that has to be done is to become a corporate member of Paramparik Karigar by paying an annual membership of Rs. 15,000. The members will receive periodic newsletters covering the various activities and can suggest ways to improve the condition of the craftsmen.
The organisation enjoys 80G benefits under the Income Tax Act. Here's an opportunity to enrich the timeless skills of our traditional craftsmen.
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