The inaugural edition of the World Crafts Forum 2024, marking the 60th anniversary of the global crafts movement by the World Crafts Council (WCC), was launched on Friday by the Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, in New Delhi. Organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, the event runs from November 22-27, with sessions in New Delhi and Srinagar.
In his inaugural address, Margherita paid tribute to Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, one of the founding figures of the WCC, emphasising the intrinsic value of handlooms and handicrafts. “These are not merely products; they embody stories of patience, skill, heritage, and human identity,” he said. He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting artisans through programmes like the National Handicrafts Development Programme and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme.
Margherita acknowledged the contributions of over seven million artisans who sustain the handlooms and handicrafts sectors in India, which have earned over 300 Geographical Indication (GI) tags. He also released two significant publications during the event: the Value of Crafts Report and a commemorative coffee table book titled 60 Years of WCC.
Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, remarked that the Forum represents a transformative moment for the crafts sector. “It will not only create new opportunities for artisans but also pave the way for a resilient crafts ecosystem,” he said.
Smt. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the Forum reflects India’s dedication to preserving and promoting its diverse crafts heritage while fostering global partnerships.
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The event has brought together artisans from across India and craftspeople from 20 countries, showcasing the richness of traditional crafts. It also aims to inspire younger generations to engage with the sector. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, the World Crafts Forum 2024 sets the stage for a more inclusive and vibrant future for artisans worldwide.
India’s pivotal role in the WCC’s history was celebrated, with the organisation’s founding figures—Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Margaret M. Patch, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay—recognised for their contributions. The Forum, designed as a flagship initiative of the WCC, will rotate biannually across its five geographic regions, reinforcing its global mission.
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