HT Correspondent
NAGAON, March 10: Pratikshya, a leading NGO in partnership with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicraft), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organised a specific program – ‘Artisans towards Fashion’, a unique and vibrant showcase blending India’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary fashion at Hotel Vivanta.
The event was inaugurated by Diptanshu Haldar, regional director, in charge of the North East Region of the Development Commissioner of Handicraft.
Attending the program as the chief guest, he emphasised the importance of sustainable practices in the handicraft sector and the role of such events in empowering artisans economically. He praised the initiative for highlighting the artisans’ incredible talents and contributing to their economic well-being.
The fashion show was attended by distinguished guests like Vijay Prakash, NSIC zonal manager; Subhashish Hazarika, manager at NEHHDC; Dr Rajat Kr Paul, director of the Coconut Development Board; Dhananjay Talukdar, Nehru Yuva Kendra; and Ganeshan, chief manager (Commercial) at NHDC, who showcased the collaborative spirit across various sectors to uplift India’s handicraft heritage.
During the event, artisans as well as key figures in the handicraft sector were felicitated by the organisers. Mantu Das was conferred with the ‘Shilp Guru Award’ while Dharanidhar Kalita was awarded the National Merit Certificate. Nazia Hassan Choudhury, secretary of Pratikshya, and Tayabur Rahman, advisor of Pratikshya, presented the awards, celebrating the recipients’ contributions to the industry.
Pratikshya NGO extended its gratitude to all involved, especially the Ministry of Textiles and the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicraft), for their support. The successful event highlighted the critical role of collaborative efforts in preserving and promoting Indian handicrafts’ rich heritage, as stated in a press release.