New Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh released a book on crafts “India’s Creative Continuum-Minority Communities in Craft” at an ongoing two day Exhibition-Cum-Sale “Jashn – E – Usttad” on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion Union Minority Affairs Minister Dr Najma Heptulla said that the programme, Jashn-e-USTTAD celebrates the traditional skills of minority craftsmen practicing 18 identified crafts from various States, and provides them a platform to showcase their traditional skills and market their products through Exhibition-cum-sale. This event is second in a row. First one was organized at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in May 2015 where the scheme was launched. She said the Ministry is trying to reach real USTTADs. To succeed in its endeavour, Ministry will take help of expert Knowledge Partners like National Institute of Fashion Technology, National Institute of Design, Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, ACCESS Development Services, Export Promotion Councils etc.
Through USTTAD, the Government makes an endeavour to develop a value chain and support the Master Craftsmen to come closer to the National and International market and earn better livelihood. The effort may bring them out of the vicious circle of poverty and feel proud of their skills. A logo of the scheme created in Bidri work was also presented on the occasion.
Union Minister of State for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who was present at the event, said the government has taken several steps for over-all development of underprivileged, poor sections including Minorities. “USTTAD” scheme is one of the important measures taken for welfare of the minorities’ especially Muslim community.
The book documents 18 identified crafts from various States. The range and diversity of crafts in various media from stone to wood, to metal to cloth, and technique from weaving to print and from painting to inlay is covered in this volume. This document represents the entire length and breadth of geography of our country and different minority communities. The documentation is one of its kind which would certainly help in preservation of the crafts, further design development and research.
The scheme “USTTAD” formulated keeping commitments of the Government for minorities to augment traditional skills and link them with market for better livelihood. Preservation of the traditional skills and arts/crafts of minorities of India is also an integral part of “Skilled India Mission”, which is the dream mission of the Prime Minister.
The scheme aims at capacity building and updating the traditional skills of master craftsmen and artisans. It will also set standards for traditional skills. The trained master craftsmen and artisans will train the minority youths in various specific traditional arts and crafts.
