THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Chennai, September 14: State Industries Secretary Jitendra Kumar Singh has said that Jharkhand is a hub of artisans, rich in cultural heritage. He emphasized that ‘Jharcraft’ is working diligently to provide recognition to the state’s artisans and its cultural legacy.
Singh was speaking at the inaugural session of the ‘Jharcraft Handloom and Handicraft Expo’, held at the Mother Teresa Women’s Complex on Valuvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
The expo, which runs from September 14 to 16, 2024, features stalls showcasing Jharkhand’s handicrafts and artwork. Additionally, artisans from states like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have also set up stalls, displaying their unique handicrafts and cultural art forms.
Jharkhand renowned for ‘Tussar’ silk and ‘Dokra’ art
While addressing the inaugural event, Secretary Jitendra Kumar Singh stated that ‘Jharcraft’ is the industry partner of the Jharkhand government. He emphasized that their goal is to give ‘Jharcraft’ products a new identity, and this expo in Chennai, the second of its kind, is part of that initiative. He highlighted that Jharkhand is renowned for its ‘Tussar’ silk and ‘Dokra’ art.
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Jharkhand contributes 75% of country’s silk production
Singh explained that when Jharkhand separated from Bihar, the primary objective was to give Jharkhand’s products a distinct identity. There was a need for a platform that could showcase Jharkhand’s craftsmanship. Through ‘Jharcraft’, they have created such a platform, not only to brand products linked to Jharkhand’s culture and tribal traditions but also to provide them with market access.
Various states have hosted similar expos to provide ‘Jharcraft’ products with a platform. While silk production is well-known in Bhagalpur, Jharkhand actually contributes 75% of the country’s silk production.
‘Jharcraft’ established in 2006 to provide platform for state’s artisans
Addressing the event, Jharcraft’s Managing Director, Kirti Shri, expressed her delight at the ongoing ‘Jharcraft’ expo in Chennai. She recalled that ‘Jharcraft’ was established in 2006, and with its formation came the challenge of providing a platform for the state’s artisans. Efforts were made to integrate tribal traditions into daily life, and today, ‘Jharcraft’ products have become a part of the global market. A large portion of the state’s women population is involved in handloom and handicraft production.
She further added that the people of Chennai, through the expo, will have the opportunity to discover Jharkhand’s craftsmanship, appreciate its high quality, and gain insight into the rich culture of the state.
Participating stalls
The expo features stalls from ‘Jharcraft’ Ranchi, Kendua PWCS Mahgawan, Chaman SHG Godda, Jiajori SHG Godda, Barkatha PWCS Ramgarh, Pokharikalan PWCS Latehar, Gramin Yuva Bunakar SHG Godda, Yuva Gramin Vikas SHG Bhagayya, Sapna Silk Jharkhand, Yuva Gramin Vikas SHG Manikpur, Dokra Jharkhand, Sukhdev Mahli Seraikela, Om Creation Jharkhand, Md. Irfan Alam Ranchi, Meghnath Mahto Kharsawan, Sikni PWCS Ramgarh, Naresh Kumar Vishwakarma Bokaro, Aparkonki Chameli SHG Ranchi, CEDAR Dumka, Jharkhand State Khadi and Village Industries Board, Sajwa Devi Hazaribagh, ADIVA (Living with Tradition) Jharkhand, Shashikant Bokaro, Lac Handicraft Self-Supporting Cooperative Society Ranchi, Tribes India, and the Jharkhand Tourism Department.
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Stalls from other states
The expo also featured stalls from other states which included Shri Shivappaya Textiles, Aroma SHG West Bengal, Cotton Durrie Uttar Pradesh, Punjab Kurti Set Uttar Pradesh, Kidins Chennai, Jaipur Jewelry Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh Tussar Party Silk.
Key attendees
Prominent attendees at the event included Additional Director of the Industries Department, Pankaj Kumar Sahu, Prof. V. Paramanand, Knowledge Partner GT Bharat, Rishu Ravi, Director of GT Bharat, along with several other officials.
