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Gujarat Assembly Hosts Women's Craft Festival to Boost Local Artisans

The Women Art and Craft Festival was inaugurated at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly premises, showcasing traditional handicrafts by women artisans. Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary highlighted the global recognition earned by Gujarat's women for their craftsmanship. The event, organized under the 'Har Ghar Swadeshi' campaign, aims to encourage self-reliance and create employment opportunities for women. The exhibition-cum-sale will feature products from women self-help groups until February 28.

Key Points: Women's Craft Festival Inaugurated at Gujarat Assembly

  • Festival promotes indigenous handicrafts
  • Aims for women's economic empowerment
  • Part of 'Har Ghar Swadeshi' campaign
  • Exhibition to run for six days
2 min read

Traditional crafts by women adorn corridors of Gujarat Assembly

Gujarat Assembly hosts Women Art and Craft Festival to promote local handicrafts and empower women artisans under the 'Har Ghar Swadeshi' campaign.

"These stalls are not merely centres of sale. Each product reflects the effort of our sisters and the vision of a self-reliant India. - Shankar Chaudhary"

Gandhinagar, Feb 23

The Women Art and Craft Festival was inaugurated at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly premises on Monday under the 'Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar Ghar Swadeshi' campaign.

Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary formally inaugurated the festival. Deputy Speaker Purnesh Modi and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Dr Manisha Vakil were present at the ceremony, along with Assembly Secretary Chetan Pandya, senior officials of the Women and Child Development Department, and citizens.

Addressing the gathering, Chaudhary said women in Gujarat have earned international recognition for their craftsmanship, particularly in embroidery and traditional handicrafts.

"Through their dedication and skill, the women of Gujarat have brought global recognition to our handicrafts. Today, these traditional arts have become a respected global brand," he said.

He described the organisation of the exhibition within the Assembly premises as a meaningful initiative that would provide encouragement and visibility to women artisans across the state.

Congratulating the Women and Child Welfare Minister on the initiative, he suggested that Members of the Legislative Assembly should promote such crafts in their respective constituencies to expand their reach.

Appealing to the public to visit the exhibition, Chaudhary said the stalls symbolise the hard work and self-respect of women artisans. "These stalls are not merely centres of sale. Each product reflects the effort of our sisters and the vision of a self-reliant India. Even small support from citizens will give them renewed strength," he said.

On the occasion, Dr Vakil said, "At this festival, indigenous handicrafts and handmade products created by women self-help groups from across the state will be exhibited and made available for sale. This initiative will encourage women towards self-reliance and create new employment opportunities. The event will prove to be an important step towards the economic empowerment of women and will further strengthen the message of 'Vocal for Local.'"

The exhibition-cum-sale, organised by the Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation Ltd., will run from February 23 to 28 within the Assembly complex.

Ten stalls featuring handicrafts and indigenous products made by women artisans have been set up.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see our traditional crafts getting this recognition. The 'Vocal for Local' message is strong here. I just hope the benefits actually reach the women artisans directly and aren't lost in middlemen.
M
Meera T
As someone who runs a small SHG in Mehsana, this news is very encouraging. Visibility is half the battle. If MLAs promote this in their areas, it can create a sustainable market. Jai Swadeshi! 🇮🇳
D
David E
Visiting Gujarat last year, I was amazed by the intricate handicrafts. It's smart to host this at the Assembly – combines cultural promotion with economic policy. More states should do this.
A
Arjun K
Respectfully, while this is a good step, I hope it's not just a photo-op. We need consistent policies for skill development, easy loans, and national market access for these women throughout the year, not just during a festival.
S
Shreya B
The Patola sarees and Bandhani work of Gujarat are world famous! So proud that our mothers and sisters keep these arts alive. Buying from them directly supports a family and preserves heritage. Will definitely visit if I'm in Gandhinagar.

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