In a glittering event at Vigyan Bhawan, today, the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee awarded the master craftsmen for their contribution in the preservation and promotion of the traditional Indian handicrafts and helping it grow in the international arena.
Pranab Mukherjee presented 21 Shilp Guru and 59 National Awards for the year 2012, 2013 and 2014 to the master craftsmen, sixteen of whom are women. The award’s main purpose is to give recognition to the masters for their excellence in craftsmanship and their valuable contribution to Indian handicrafts.
The Shilp Guru Awards are given to the legendary master craftsperson in recognition of excellent craftsmanship, product excellence and their role in the promotion of crafts as a vital part of traditional heritage. The award was launched on 15 November, 2002 by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the resurgence of Handicrafts in India. On that occasion, the then President of India Late Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam honoured ten masters of the craft tradition, responsible for the maintenance of the living cultural heritage of India. Right from 2002 till 2014, 117 artisans responsible for maintaining craft traditions have been selected for the award.
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On the other hand, the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) has been awarding the National Awards for the master craftsperson since 1965. The main objective is to give recognition to the outstanding craftsperson in the handicrafts sector. The awardees represent almost all states and UTs of the country, as well as different craft styles of different. The major crafts for which the award have been given are Metal Engraving, Terracotta, Worli Painting, Madhubani Painting, Papier Mache, Punjabi Tilla Jutti, Miniature Painting, Gold Leaf Painting, Pichwai painting, Phad Painting, Hand Block Printing, Bone Carving, Sandal Wood Carving, Tie and Dye Clay Modelling, coconut shell carving, Lac work, Stone Dust, Pattachitra, paddy craft jewellery and straw craft. The award felicitation amount is Rs. 1, 00,000 in cash, a Tamrapatra, an Angavastram and a certificate.
Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the awardees and expressed his deep appreciation for their excellent contribution to the preservation and promotion of Indian handicraft traditions, thereby enriching the cultural heritage of the country. The President noted with satisfaction that Indian handicrafts have recently been doing very well in both domestic and international markets.
Commending the awardees, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State for Textiles (I/C) averred the Awards would inspire the artisans to train others and add further to India’s rich cultural heritage. Dr. S. K. Panda, Secretary, Textiles also praised the artisans for their contribution to Indian the handicrafts sector.
