The national spotlight recently shone on Mumbai as it hosted the grand 40th edition of ‘Hunar Haat’. More than a thousand artisans and craftsmen hailing from 31 states and Union Territories across India converged at the event. This annual gathering aims to celebrate the diverse and rich ancestral legacy of traditional arts and crafts in our country.
Understanding ‘Hunar Haat’
‘Hunar Haat’ is an initiative conceptualized to safeguard and uplift India’s invaluable legacy of arts and crafts in the global competitive landscape. This unique exhibition features artisans whose lineage, rooted deep in traditional handcrafting skills, continues to flourish through generations. These artisans form the backbone of ‘Hunar Haat’, contributing to its authenticity and cultural significance.
The Theme: Vocal for Local and Best from Waste
This year’s theme, “Vocal for Local” and “Best from Waste,” resonates with the current trend of conscious consumption and sustainability. The artisans showcased at ‘Hunar Haat’ leverage sustainable materials and local resources – following their forefathers’ footsteps – to create intricate masterpieces.
Purpose: Enhancing Market Exposure and Employment Opportunities
Through ‘Hunar Haat’, artisans, craftsmen, and traditional culinary experts are presented with a golden opportunity to diversify their market exposure and access better employment opportunities. Additionally, the platform focuses on enhancing the skills of weavers, craftsmen, and artisans already engaged in traditional ancestral work.
‘Hunar Haat’: An Initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs
‘Hunar Haat’ operates under the aegis of USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The primary aim of this scheme is to nurture and uphold the vast heritage of the traditional arts & crafts of minority communities.
Significance: Elevating Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Initiatives like ‘Hunar Haat’ play a crucial role in fortifying the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It facilitates skill training, transforming individuals from job-seekers into potential job-creators. An example would be the ‘Tejas’ program – a skilling initiative by the Indian Government. Under this programme, India will send 30,000 skilled workers to the UAE within a year.
Through ‘Hunar Haat’, the ethos of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ resonates, offering an immersive experience of ‘Unity in Diversity’.
The Path Ahead
Looking forward, it would be advantageous for the Ministry of Minority Affairs to contemplate conducting short-duration skill training courses during future editions of ‘Hunar Haats’ planned throughout the country. A potential collaboration with universities, colleges, and schools could offer students an opportunity to participate in the Expo and learn about crafting ‘Best from Waste’. This approach will ensure that the legacy of traditional craftsmanship is upheld and passed down to future generations.
