Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Textiles

09-November-2012 15:35 IST

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today conferred 20 Shilp Guru Awards, 18 Sant Kabir Awards along with 74 National Awards to master craftspersons and master weavers at a function in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, President Shri Pranab Mukherjee congratulated all the awardees for their “contribution in preserving, promoting and enriching the traditional and cultural heritage of our country.” The President was also confident that the recognition to the awardees will “inspire and encourage others to work hard and emulate your efforts to bring prosperity to artisans and weavers across the country.”

Shri Mukherjee said that the government should provide enabling policy support which can lead to sustainable growth of the handloom and handicraft sectors. “There is a need to be aware of the emerging challenges and also the opportunities presented by the changing global environment…we have to adapt to the changes that are taking place not only within the country but also globally,” said Shri Mukherjee. He further added that “modernisation in the weaving technique, improvement of designs and pattern, access to modern tools, technology and implements, upgradation of skills to ensure quality, supply of good quality basic inputs like yarn, dyes, and chemicals in time and to create a sound marketing infrastructure would not only give the required impetus but also make the products of the weavers and craftsperons more competitive.”

Shri Sharma also congratulated the awaredees, weavers and artisans for their outstanding contribution in preserving and enriching the unique and artistic cultural traditions of different parts of the country. Speaking during the occasion, Shri Sharma recognised the fact that supporting the rural artisans is not only integral to the duties of a welfare state, but is essential for preserving those traditions which for centuries have embodied the nationhood. “We have supported the establishment of Urban Haats across the country and also provided support for organising Shilp Bazaars, Craft Bazaars and exhibitions to provide a platform for the Indian craftsmen.

Shri Sharma said that there is a need to upgrade the quality of the handmade produce to enable the makers to reach out to the global market place.

“There is a he challenge of meeting the skill deficit in the handicraft sector, and though we provide support for training, skill upgradation and design, much more needs to be done,” added Shri Sharma.

Shilp Guru awards are conferred to legendary master craftspersons of Handicrafts whose work and dedication have contributed not only to the preservation of rich and diverse craft heritage of the country, but also to the resurgence of handicrafts sector as a whole. Each Award consists of one mounted gold coin, one shawl, Certificate and a Tamrapatra. In addition, financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 6 lakh is also given to each selected Awardee to innovate and create five new products of high level of excellence, high aesthetic value and high quality befitting the stature of the Guru.

Sant Kabir Award is conferred on such outstanding weaver who has made valuable contribution in keeping alive the handloom heritage and also for his dedication in building up the linkages between the past, present and future through dissemination of knowledge on traditional skills and designs. Each Sant Kabir Award consists of one mounted gold coin, one shawl, certificate and a Tamrapatra. In addition, financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 6 lakh is also given to each selected awardee to innovate and create ten new products of high level of excellence, high aesthetic value and high quality.

National Awards to Master Craftspersons and master weavers were introduced in 1965 and the award comprises of a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh, a certificate, Tamrapatra and an Angavastram.

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Enabling policy support for handloom and handicraft sectors to modernise production, upgrade skills and expand market access. The President urged provision of enabling policy support for sustainable growth of the handloom and handicraft sectors, prioritising modernisation, design improvement, access to technology, timely supply of quality inputs, skill upgradation, and stronger marketing infrastructure. The release outlines government measures-Urban Haats, Shilp and Craft Bazaars, training and design support-and describes award programmes that combine recognition with financial assistance to enable awardees to innovate and produce high-quality works.