President Murmu honours India’s top artisans

New Delhi, Dec 9: President Droupadi Murmu today presented the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 at a ceremony in New Delhi, celebrating India’s master artisans and their contributions to the country’s cultural heritage.

In her address, the President said that art captures the memories of the past, the realities of the present, and the dreams of the future. From ancient times, she noted, people have expressed their emotions through painting, sculpture, and other forms of creativity, connecting individuals to culture, and to one another.

She praised India’s artisans for keeping the country’s centuries-old handicraft traditions alive. Their ability to preserve the essence of their craft while adapting to changing times, she said, has ensured that “the fragrance of India’s soil” remains visible in every handmade work. The President highlighted the economic importance of the handicrafts sector, which employs more than 3.2 million people, many of them in rural and remote parts of the country. The sector, she said, drives inclusive development by spreading income and employment opportunities to parts of India where they are needed most.

Describing handicrafts as a tool of social empowerment, President Murmu said the industry has long supported people from weaker sections of society and continues to provide artisans with both livelihood and dignity. Women, who make up 68% of the workforce, especially stand to gain from the sector’s growth, she added.

The President also emphasized that handicrafts are naturally eco-friendly, relying on local materials and low-carbon processes. At a time when sustainable living is a global priority, she said, India’s traditional crafts can play an important role.

Welcoming the growing recognition of Indian crafts worldwide, she noted that Geographical Indication (GI) tags are helping strengthen the distinct identity of regional products. She encouraged artisans and institutions to pursue GI tags for unique crafts and acknowledged the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative for boosting global awareness of local handicrafts. President Murmu concluded by stressing that Indian handicrafts, built on generations of knowledge and dedication, have earned respect across the world. With increasing global demand, she said, the sector holds great potential for young entrepreneurs and designers to build new enterprises and expand India’s presence in the global creative economy.