Shantmanu, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), said the exhibition that had saris, shawls, fabrics, apparels, home linen and furnishing was conducted to promote the works of weavers and textile artists. He said they were adopting holistic approach so that handlooms, handicrafts and fashion institutions work together to help artisans get their due.
Responding to questions on the initiatives taken by the Ministry to help artisans during the pandemic, he said: “We organised many virtual fairs in which many foreign buyers participated. We are holding many marketing events; usually we have around 200 but now we hold close to 400.”
He said they had been trying to support artisans by providing hard and soft skills training, having an expert artisan give specialised training, free tool kits and set up design resource centres for them.
The expo will be held from April 2 to 12 at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium at Nandanam from 10.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.