Hyderabad: Swayambhar NARI (Non-formal Action Research Institute), a Kolkata-based Voluntary Organisation, is organising a Nine-day Exhibition of Handicrafts from Shantiniketan from West Bengal here in city at YWCA, West Marredpally Road, Secunderabad from 7th to 15th January 2012.  The exhibition was inaugurated here in city today.  Mr. P. Mohanaiah, Chief General Manager, NABARD graced the occasion.  Speaking on the occasion he said NABARD has been extending support to Self Help Group, Rural Artisans to promote their traditional art.  It has been extending support for the livelihood of rural women in terms of training, production and marketing.

Stating further he added that West Bengal is known for its handlooms, handicrafts, patachitra and Jute products.  Jute based multipurpose utensils, lifestyle products, patachitra are being showcased for the first time.  Also the exhibited are new products developed and created through the Integrated Design & Technical Development Project, sponsored by Office of Development Commissioner(Handicrafts), Govt. of India, Ministry of Textile Department.

The exhibition will showcase different types of Handicrafts from Santineketan – Patochitra, Madur (mat), Jute chappals, Jute Bags, Men’s & Women’s Silk & Cotton Kurta, Dress Material, Cotton, Silk & Tassar printed saree, Fancy & Stone Ornaments & also different Botique from Kolkata.

The exhibition is sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Besides promoting the handicrafts and handlooms, the exhibition lays special stress to shun plastics and use Jute and other eco-friendly products. The exhibition will be on from 10 AM to 8 PM daily till 15th January.

The exhibition will have Sarees, Leather items, Batiks, Jute products, dress materials, jewellery, Block Printing, Kurta, etc. We bring the rich heritage of West Bengal to this exhibition and also an opportunity for the artisans to develop themselves and to know the market and its demands, etc. informs Mrs. Surangama Bhadra, Founder Secretary of the organisation. Swayambhar NARI has been organising such Handicrafts exhibitions all over India for the last 20 years. Proceeds of the Exhibition will go to the poor artisans who themselves do not have the knowledge or the resources to promote their products.

Swayambhar NARI was started in 1988 essentially for women but over the years the male craftsmen too have joined. It was started as a voluntary group for providing marketing facilities to craftspersons. Today, it has more than 1,000 members. The organisation runs two craft schools at Midnapore and Birbhum, Shantiniketan besides schools in rural areas for the craftspersons’ children. It advises craftspersons on design matters. Swayambhar NARI activities are supported by NABARD, NID and NIFT for skill upgradation and product diversification in handicrafts.