India is known for arts and crafts: Biman Bihari Das
New Delhi : A laboratory, erected within the precincts of the Red Fort, stands as a beacon of hope for realizing the vision of a self-reliant and advanced India, as envisioned by the Prime Minister. Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), highlighted this sentiment during the conclusion of the two-day ‘Craft and Design Exchange Forum’ organized by the Centre’s Aatm Nirbhar Bharat Centre for Design (ABCD). The closing session, graced by renowned sculptor ‘Padmashree’ Biman Bihari Das as the chief guest, was attended by dignitaries including IGNCA Member Secretary Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi and Director (Administration) Dr. Priyanka Mishra. Notably, the ABCD project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in December 2023.
Further addressing the audience, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai drew a poignant parallel, equating the envisioned self-reliant India to the picturesque view of the Red Fort visible from the venue. He emphasized the myriad obstacles hindering the path to self-reliance, yet asserted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in igniting a collective dream. Drawing inspiration from the iconic words of America’s Martin Luther King Jr., “I have a dream,” Shri Rai stressed the imperative of nurturing and realizing such aspirations. Just as King’s statement became the rallying cry for the African-American civil rights movement, Shri Rai envisioned a similar rallying cry for India’s journey towards self-reliance.
He remarked that the artistic heritage of India flourished greatly during the 17th-18th century, exemplified by treasures like the muslin of Dhaka crafted by artisans from the region. Countless such masterpieces once flowed from the skilled hands of Indian artisans, catering to a global market. However, he lamented the shift in current circumstances, where goods from the global market flood into India, altering the economic landscape. Embracing the dream of a self-reliant India, he envisioned a reversal of this trend, where goods manufactured within India find their way to markets abroad, epitomizing a paradigm shift in global commerce.
During this momentous occasion, India’s distinguished sculptor Shri Biman Bihari Das lauded IGNCA for its commendable efforts through the ABCD project, aimed at uplifting indigenous artists and craftsmen. He emphasized India’s rich heritage of arts and crafts, noting their ubiquitous presence across the nation. At the onset of the concluding session, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi elaborated on the ABCD project, highlighting its unique nature as an experiential centre and ongoing workshop. He expressed the desire for visitors to immerse themselves in the experience, engaging with crafts and conversing with artisans to gain insight into their craft and lives. Dr. Joshi also took the opportunity to announce the names of three winning organizations participating in ABCD, who were felicitated by Shri Biman Bihari Das and Shri Ram Bahadur Rai.
On the event’s second day, puppeteer Venkatesh and his team captivated the audience with a delightful puppet dance performance. The enchanting puppet show commenced with a mesmerizing rendition of Ganesh Vandana through puppetry. Subsequently, a spellbinding puppet dance drama, spanning about half an hour, unfolded, depicting scenes from the epic Ramkatha. The performance intricately portrayed moments such as Hanuman ji’s encounters with Shri Ram-Lakshman, his triumph over Lankini, his meeting with Sita ji, and Ravana’s attempts to entice Sita ji, all executed with remarkable artistry.
On the second day, the event featured two insightful panel discussions centered around the themes of ‘Master Artisans and Current Market Trends’ and ‘Designers’ Engagement with Crafts Communities’. Mr. Sohan Jha, Director of Crafts Museum, chaired the first panel discussion, while the second was led by Amardeep Bahl, Founder and Director of Design Habit. Additionally, there was a stimulating discussion on ‘GI Beverages of India’. Concluding the event, Ms. Supriya Consul, Project Director of ABCD, delivered the vote of thanks. During the inaugural session on the first day, Shri Rajeev Sethi, Founder Chairman of the ‘Asian Heritage Foundation’, graced the occasion as the chief guest, alongside special guest Ms. Kiran Nadar, Founder of the ‘Kiran Nadar Museum of Art’. In his address, Shri Rajeev Sethi highlighted the significance of fostering maximum freedom in creative expression. Ms. Kiran Nadar extended her congratulations to the ABCD team, lauding the project’s uniqueness in the realm of artistic endeavours.
On the inaugural day, a distinctive discussion titled ‘Chai Naasta: Culinary Crafts of India’ was led by Prof. Pushpesh Pant, shedding light on diverse facets of tea and breakfast culture. The panel discussions on day one of the two-day event centered around two key themes – ‘Role of Academia in the Revival of Crafts’ and ‘Role of Design Houses in the Revival of Crafts’.