The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee presented Shilp Guru awards to National Awardees and shilp guns in a function at Vigyan Bhawan recently. The shilp guns and National awardees from all over India participated. Twenty One shilp gun Awards and 59 National Awards presented to master craftsperson for the year 2012, 2013 and 2014. This includes 16 women awardees. The main objective is to give recognition to masters for their excellence in craftsmanship and valuable contribution to Indian Handicrafts. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Textiles (I C), SK Panda, secretary (Textiles), JK Dadoo, AS and financial advisor (Textiles), K Gopal, development commissioner (Handicrafts) graced the occasion.
Mukherjee said, “It is indeed a matter of great satisfaction for me to be amongst you today for conferring the prestigious National Awards and Shilp Guru Awards to outstanding Master crafts persons for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. I would like to first of all congratulate the awardees and express my deep appreciation for their excellent contribution to the preservation and promotion of Indian handicraft traditions and enriching the cultural heritage of our country.” He said, “Our indigenous handicrafts are a cherished aspect of the Indian way of life. Their extensive range reflects our nation's diversity and infinite creativity. Each geographic region and even sub-region-has its individual style and tradition — that stems from the ancient life-rhythms of its society. Our shilpkaars have, down the centuries, developed their own often unique methods and techniques to bring life into stone and metal, sandalwood and clay.” They had, a very long time ago, perfected scientific and engineering processes far ahead of their times. Production of handicraft items provides livelihood opportunity to lakhs of people living in rural areas at a low capital investment, has good domestic and international market, forms parts of the Indian heritage, culture and tradition. It has several indirect benefits as well. like low carbon emission, low demand on scarce resources like electricity, facilitates environmental conservation and checks migration to urban areas. Production of handicraft items holds special significance in the economic empowerment of women living in the rural areas, as production can be made within the house along with other household chores. Women are a large part of the work force and constitute over 50 per cent of the artisans’ sector. It is estimated that over 70 lakh people are earning their livelihood from production of handicrafts and related activities.
The president said, “As per available information, handmade carpets constituted three per cent of the total export of India and increased from `7,llO crore (2013-14) to `8,442 crore (20 14-15) with a growth of 19 per cent over the previous year. Exports of handicrafts excluding handmade carpets constituted 11 per cent of total exports and grew from `23,504 crore (2013-14) to `27,747 crore (20 14-15). Artmetal wares (`5,244 crore). Wood wares (`4,477 crore). Imitation jewellery(`1,959 ~crore). The export of handicrafts including handmade carpets grew from `30,614 crore to `36,189 crore. The domestic market is equally important and has been growing with the growing size of the urban based upper middle class. The export of handicrafts including handmade carpets grew from `30,6l4 crore to `36,189 crore. The domestic market is equally important and has been growing with the growing size of the urban based upper middle class.
He said, “I am happy that various schemes for development of handicrafts sector have been reviewed and a comprehensive National Handicraft Development programme has been launched which emphasizes integrated approach for development of handicraft cluster in a holistic manner. Major thrust is now being given to result oriented focused implementation of various interventions. New approach is built on the key element of empowering artisans by skill upgradation, design development, technology upgradation and supply of raw material through easily accessible common facility centres at cluster level. Developing and strengthening marketing linkages through various options such as exporters, direct sale, participation in sale expos, e-commerce is another major component of new approach. I am also happy to know that opportunities now available with penetration of Information Technology are being exploited for providing assistance to artisans directly through Aadhar linked bank accounts.”