Date:14/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011405880400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

`Silver filigree' set to cross shores

By Our Staff Reporter

KARIMNAGAR, JAN. 13. Silver filigree, the ancient art of Karimnagar district, is going global with its participation in the International trade fair being organised in Dubai from January 15.

The district administration is making all-out efforts to promote the silver filigree handicrafts on a large-scale in the world by imparting training to about 500 artisans. The administration has decided to impart special training to artisans to the meet the demand in the global market.

Disclosing this after inaugurating a silver filigree stall at Dwcra bazaar here on Thursday, the district Collector, C Parthasarathi, said there was good demand for silver filigree products in the world.

He said the artisans had received orders to the tune of Rs 30 lakh during an exhibition organised in a hotel in Hyderabad.

Bid for patenting

The DRDA project director, T Chiranjeevulu, said they were taking about Rs 10 lakh worth silver handicrafts for the Dubai trade fair.

The DRDA was also trying to secure patent rights for the silver filigree art. The Andhra Bank deputy general manager, Prasad Rao, the Stepkar CEO, Rajamouli, the AD (handlooms), Ganga Reddy, and the silver filigree handicrafts society president, Dayakara Chary, were present.