Tata Steel’s Urban Services department in collaboration with Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) has launched ‘Karigar – Okhai,’ a handicraft outlet in Jamshedpur. The outlet was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mr Amitava Bakshi, Chief, Procurement, Tata Steel Mr Sanjay, Head, Urban Services Tata Steel was also present at the launch ceremony.
‘Karigar – Okhai’ will showcase a blend of traditional handicrafts from the eastern Indian State of Jharkhand and the western Indian state of Gujarat. The outlet, a delight for handicraft lovers, will provide rural women and artisans, hailing from socially and economically marginalised communities, a platform to present their creativity and earn a livelihood.
Chief Guest for the occasion, Amitava Bakshi, chief, procurement, Tata Steel while inaugurating the outlet said ‘Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals have always worked towards the cause of women empowerment. This is a long journey and we as corporates will continue to endorse and support such initiatives at all levels. This outlet promises to be a great platform for small artisans to produce and showcase ethnic handicrafts.’
The Karigar shop was started by Urban Services, Tata Steel on February 6, 2002 at shop No. 13/4, Bistupur market. An exhibition-cum-sales outlet for small artisans, it is currently facilitating sales and marketing of handicraft items made and promoted by them and their associates under CSR programmes.