Importance of Youth in Cultural Heritage Promotion: Smriti Irani
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Smriti Irani, the former Union Minister, emphasizes the vital role of the younger generation in promoting India's cultural heritage at the PDKF’s Artisan Collective event in Jaipur, showcasing diverse crafts and empowering women artisans.
Key Takeaways
- Younger generation crucial for cultural heritage.
- Linking heritage to retail enhances global recognition.
- India's handicraft market potential remains largely untapped.
- Empowering women artisans is key to preserving crafts.
- Government support includes identity cards for artisans.
Jaipur, March 6 (NationPress) Former Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, stated on Thursday that the younger generation plays a crucial role in enhancing cultural heritage.
“By linking our cultural heritage with the retail sector, we can not only safeguard it for future generations but also ensure it receives the global recognition it rightly deserves. The worldwide handicrafts market is valued at nearly a trillion dollars, yet India’s share, as per the 2023-2024 data, stands at only Rs 32,000 crores. India possesses vast potential to make a more substantial impact on the global handicrafts market,” she remarked during the inauguration of the PDKF’s Artisan Collective, organized by the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF) at the City Palace.
The event gathered over 50 women artisans and entrepreneurs from various parts of India, showcasing an array of heritage crafts, modern designs, and sustainable enterprises. Featured crafts included Kerala craft, Blue Pottery, Kalighat painting, Appliqué embroidery, Panja Durrie weaving, Bhujodi handloom, and Lac bangles.
Smriti Irani commended the younger generation for their commendable endeavors in promoting and uplifting traditional crafts. She pointed out that the historic courtyard of the City Palace serves as a perfect backdrop for this celebration, given its profound ties to art, culture, and valor.
Irani expressed her honor in participating in the event, which celebrates the incredible artistry and craftsmanship that represent India’s rich heritage.
She emphasized that in this AI-driven age, where nations are competing in technological advancements, India is setting itself apart by merging its rich civilization and cultural heritage with technology within a democratic framework.
Moreover, she remarked that the Indian government has issued special identity cards to nearly 30 lakh handicraft artisans, including 14 lakh women, allowing them to access financial assistance from banks, credit institutions, and other financial entities.
The three-day event commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony conducted by Smriti Irani, General Secretary of PDKF, Princess Gauravi Kumari; H.H. Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh; and the Founder of the Republic of Zoofari, Akanksha Mittal.
Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur, General Secretary of PDKF, emphasized the mission of the PDKF’s Artisan Collective to empower women artisans and preserve India’s rich craft heritage, noting that the initiative is inspired by the skilled women artisans themselves.
With artisans from over 12 states, she described the collective as a testament to the strength of women-led entrepreneurship, enabling them to grow into craft-preneurs, create their own markets, and present their talents on a global platform.
