A tribute to Gandhi's dream
IGNCA in collaboration with Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra organised a festival which displayed works of 450 craftsmen from different parts of the country
A five-day festival titled 'Ba, Bapu and Shilp Kala' was held at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) recently. The event which was organised by IGNCA in collaboration with Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra was inaugurated by Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women at the Ambedkar International Centre in the presence of Tara Gandhi Bhattacharya, Grand daughter of Gandhiji, Dr Mahesh Chandra Sharma, Turstee, IGNCA and Dr Sachchidanad Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA.
A special feature of this festival, known as 'Hunar Haat', displayed the works of many artisans and craftsmen from different parts of the country, these craftsmen were given an opportunity to showcase their talents as well as to make a livelihood to support their families. During festival, more than 450 artists and craftsmen participating through 80 stalls on display and sale purpose. More than forty folk artists took part in this festival and showed their folk tradition.
At the inauguration ceremony, Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA said: "The purpose of organising such a festival is not just to highlight and showcase the talents of different artisans and craftsmen, but also to provide them a livelihood through this platform."
He further said that the idea of this festival is also to highlight the works of these artisans, artists and craftsmen in order to place them at an international pedestal.
Addressing the gathering, Rekha Sharma said, "We are able to witness the vision and dreams of Gandhi through programmes like 'Make in India' and 'Skill India', and this event has also contributed towards that." Tara Gandhi Bhattacharya, Grand Daughter of Gandhi, who was also present at the event shared her childhood memories with both Kasturba and Mahatma Gandhi.
Present at the event, Dr Mahesh Sharma, Trustee IGNCA expressed his views on Gandhi's ideologies and said that Gandhi was not against modern technology but was afraid that technological advancement might replace human beings.
Sharing similar views, Dr Sharma further said that he believes that if we do not highlight the works of craftsmen in such festivals then it is of no use to them. Highlight of the festival was a special visit by experts from IIT – who were invited by the organisers to spend time with the craftsmen and closely observe and study their craftsmanship, inorder to guide them and also to teach them how they can improve their skills and increase their productivity.
