Tata Steel in association with Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) inaugurated a unique handicraft cum sale exhibition ‘Karigar - Okhai’ at Dhatkidih Community Centre on Friday. Anita Kanagat graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The exhibition which will be held up to January 25 will showcase an extensive range of handicrafts and readymade garments prepared by women of the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand and the western Indian state of Gujarat. The outlet, a delight for handicraft lovers will also empower rural women and artisans, hailing from socially and economically marginalised communities to present their creativity and earn a livelihood.
The Karigar shop was started by by Urban Services, Tata Steel at shop No. 13/4, Bistupur market. An exhibition-cum-sales outlet for the small artisans, It is currently facilitating sales and marketing of handicraft items of the groups promoted by thems and their associates under CSR programs.
TCSRD (Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development) plays a pioneering role in encouraging this handicraft art form popularized under the “OKHAI” brand name. With the able support of TCSRD, today over 350 women are making colorful and aesthetically unique pieces of Appliqué Work for commercial purposes, that provides them with alternate sustainable sources of income and leads them to economic empowerment. The products so made are commercialised on a no-profit-no-loss basis.