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The art of appreciation

The Delhi Crafts Council honours young crafts persons with annual awards that help nurture the varied traditions of India

As the world experiences tides of change, Bharat, our ancient land of continental proportions, with many secrets hidden in its immense bosom, is in combat with India.

In this crossfire, when the centuries old heritage is at risk of being buried under the onslaught of new age bluster, it is indeed heartening to come across an organisation, the Delhi Crafts Council, which is involved in preservation, revitalisation and promotion of traditional Indian crafts.

Established by the late Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay, primarily to encourage traditional crafts — under threat of becoming obsolete in the contemporary milieu — in the present generation, it has done pioneering work in the field. As a logical corollary, the Council instituted a set of awards in 1986, The Kamaladevi Puraskar, for young exponents between the age of 12 and 20. As a member of the Council explains, "To provide these youngsters a market to showcase and sell their products, we have embarked on several initiatives, including a series of exhibitions and fairs held in Delhi and other cities, whereby we bring them in direct touch with the urban market and buyers."

Documentation

Another creditable accomplishment of the Council is the documentation of crafts, particularly in and around Delhi, which has provided insight into existing traditions, on which further programmes are being formulated. When quizzed about frequent changes in market trends, and steps taken to help these young, creative entrepreneurs to tackle them, a member says, "We use design development as a critical tool to help them become responsive to evolving trends."

To empower them, professional designers are hired, whereby new products are developed and marketed in specialised branches like zardozi, terracotta, stone, metal crafts, tilu grass, recycled newspaper and sanjhi paper." with these steps, the Council has managed to breach the burgeoning, lucrative gift market, and has produced special items for prestigious organisations like the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Red Fort Archives Museum, INTACH and Indian Airlines.

As a member says, "The awards encourage talented young children, skilled in crafts, to continue to practice it and eventually take it up as a means of livelihood; it has been observed that youngsters, particularly from craftsmen's traditional background, prefer to leave their family occupation for office jobs, in search of better returns and material benefits.It will also impart a sense of pride and dignity in their skills."

Undoubtedly, the flame lit in 1986 is burning bright and vigorous, as was evident at the awards function held this month, where exponents of traditional crafts — terracotta, kutch embroidery, sujuni, Baghel art and golden grass craft — from across the country were honoured with a citation, a gift and a monthly scholarship of Rs.500 for one year.

As one of the organisers of the function said, "So far, more then 80 children have benefited from these awards; by allowing them to learn their craft along with attending school regularly." Hopefully, in this crusade, both Bharat and India will win.

APS MALHOTRA

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