New Delhi, January 12, 2024: Hamari Virasat (Our Heritage), an initiative of Hand For Handmade Foundation, is a celebration of the richness of the artisanal sector in India through its showcase of 75 different handmade textile artworks created by artisan groups from across the country to commemorate the momentous occasion of the 75th year of the Indian Constitution.
This visually spectacular mural showcases 75 different 1mx1m artworks, each intricately made and inspired by the art represented in the preamble of the Indian Constitution. The artworks serve as a visual testament to the profound connection between constitutional values and the artisanal sector’s contribution to nation-building.
The mural was inaugurated today at the CSMVS museum by Ms. Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation, and a prominent patron of the arts for over 30 years. Along with the mural, there will be a zero-commission Artisan Bazaar for hand-crafted textiles and products featuring India’s craft and textile traditions.
Hamari Virasat was conceptualized to celebrate the 75th year of the constitution and act as a connector for people and artisans. Each artwork has been contributed pro-bono by Hand for Handmade members as a wholehearted attempt to use their creativity and artform towards this nation-building project that is truly representative of unity in diversity. Hamari Virasat is in the format of a traveling exhibition and will be on display across key cities in the country. The launch, supported by the JSW Group, will be held from January 12th to 14th at CSMVS museum. The mural will then be showcased at Cross Maidan during the Kala Ghoda festival from January 20th to 28th before traveling to other parts of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Shibani Dasgupta Jain, Founder, Hand for Handmade Foundation, said, “We conceptualised Hamari Virasat with the intent to put the spotlight on India’s artisan sector and its role in nation-building. It’s important to acknowledge this sector’s contribution to millions of livelihoods and women’s empowerment. Hand for Handmade is thrilled to have included 75 textile organizations/individuals to be a part of the Constitution's 75th-anniversary celebrations. We hope that HamariVirasat will drive conversations around the art and craft sector and help us reimagine the industry to create greater impact in the times to come.”
Hamari Virasat will also feature workshops that highlight stories of artists who contributed to the making of the Constitution and explore how constitutional values have translated into rights and welfare for all citizens and artisans in particular. These will be done by the knowledge partner We, the People Abhiyan.
Speaking on the link between the artisanal sector and the Constitution, Vinita Gursahani Singh, Founder of We, the People Abhiyan, added, “The diversity and craftsmanship in the Indian artisan sector mirrors the Constitution's ideals of liberty, fraternity, justice, and equality. With its myriad forms and practices, this sector represents a microcosm of Indian society, embodying the constitutional vision of a diverse yet unified nation”.
