For attracting the youths and promoting the use of handicrafts, a unique programme was held recently in New Delhi, where fashion show and quiz where blended together.

Ministry of Textiles, Assam Apex Weavers & Artisans Co-operative Federation Ltd. (ARTFED) in association with Priya Communications organised this event titled “Apne Desh Ko Jano". The programme received encouraging response from the handicraft loving enthusiasts who turned up in several hundreds to support the event.

Secretary, Union Ministry of Textiles, Ms Zohra Chatterjee while inaugurating the event appreciated the innovative concept. She however expressed concerns over the dying art which at one point of time was the pride of the nation.

Buoyed by the response to the event, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) has decided to organize more such events in the future .Mr. S. S. Gupta, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) said the idea behind the event is to disseminate and create awareness about handicraft products.. The show stopper for the fashion show was acclaimed quiz master, Barry O Brien who has hosted more than 2500 quiz shows across the country. Barry said that for him this fusion of quiz and sashaying in the ramp is a new experience.

Anoop Khanna of Priya Communications who was associated in organizing the event added that there is need to get youths involved in the handicraft sector. “The sector is one of largest employer in India. India as we know is the country of youths now and the sector if it has to survive needs new consumers and youths can be the new consumers”. 

Qutub Quizzer from Delhi Quzzing Association, Amrit Pritam chetia and Kunal walked the ramp with the elegant beautiful models. The models showcased different handicraft products. Large number of assembled artisans felt that such initiatives would act as a catalyst in promoting the handicrafts sector which had enormous potentia Artisans from different states shared the dais to narrate the history behind the handicrafts products.

Models walked the ramp wearing makhela chaddar, Assam silk sarees. Black pottery of Manipur was showcased and questions were asked by the quiz master as to how the serpentine stone is used to make this pottery. Another Artisan from West Bengal explained Pat Chitra through his song James, an artisan from Manipur and M.F. Hussain, from Jammu and Kashmir stated that there is the need for such platform where voices of artisans are heard. “It gives immense happiness when we are heard and our problems are placed at right forum.”

The event was choreographed by Gopalika Varmani and designer for the event was Meghna Mittal. The programme ended with an oath and resolve to promote handicrafts by promoting its use in home, office, corporate gifting and business establishments by playing a Hindi song” MAA TUJHE SALAAM” in the background where large number of audience participated.

Indian handicraft exports for April-January 2012-13 grew from US$ 1,889 million in April-January 2011-12 to US$ 2,306 million, a rise of 22.08 percent.