Mangaluru: Gandhi Shilpa Bazaar, Crafts Exhibition inaugurated at Hotel Woodlands

By Robert D Costa
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 15 Mar 2022: At the joint aegis of the union ministry of textiles, office of the development commissioner and Pilikula Development Authority (PDA), Gandhi Shilpa Bazaar, Crafts Exhibition inaugurated at Woodlands Hotel exhibition hall, here on Monday March 14. It is open for public till March 23.

 

Mattar Ratnakar Hegde, chairman of Coastal Development Authority, Mangaluru mayor Premananda Shetty, KIONICS chairman Harikrishna Bantwal were the chief guests present.

 

PDA chairman G Venkatesh, migrants/semi-migrants development Board chairman K Ravindra Shetty were also present.

 

All the dignitaries collectively inaugurated the Crafts Exhibition on Monday at 4.00pm.

 

 

In his inaugural address, Hegde said that the crafts men from across the nation are displaying their handmade crafts and sell directly to the customers albeit avoiding the middlemen. Both union and state governments are providing marketing facilities to sell their crafts that are gaining prominence in international market as such stall has been found during Dubai Expo 2022, said Hegde.

 

He also said, ‘The earthenware was widely used a few decades ago till aluminum, steel vessels taken over that trend. The coastal residents settled in Mumbai preferred earthenware because they found fish curry prepared on such vessels were tastier. Likewise, porcelain jars were ideal for storing pickles that would retain freshness for many years. The union minister Smriti Irani always buys handloom saris whenever she goes to exhibition sale. It seems that people are realizing the significance of handicrafts, handlooms and traditional crafts,’ said Hegde.

 

The mayor Premananda said that the government is promoting craftsmen by organizing the exhibitions across the nation. The traditional art is national wealth that has been identified by encouraging the craftsmen who put on hard work and skills. He urged more such exhibitions ought to be organized for sustainability, said mayor.

 

Harikrishna Bantwal also addressed the gathering.

 

Union ministry of crafts senior assistant director S R Masram, PDA Babu Devadiga, Nitin, Dr Suryaprakash Shetty and Ramakrishna, other department officials were also present.