New Delhi: The inaugural edition of the World Crafts Forum 2024, organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts in collaboration with the World Crafts Council (WCC), began today in New Delhi. The event, running from November 22-24 in New Delhi and November 25-27 in Srinagar, commemorates the 60th anniversary of the pioneering global crafts movement spearheaded by the WCC.
Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, inaugurated the event, highlighting the vital role of handlooms and handicrafts in preserving heritage and identity. He paid tribute to Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a key figure in the establishment of the World Crafts Council, and emphasized the government’s efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect and promote the sector. Margherita noted initiatives such as the National Handicrafts Development Program and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme, which aim to empower over 7 million artisans in India.
The Minister also celebrated the achievement of 300+ handlooms and handicrafts receiving GI tags, underscoring their cultural and economic importance. To commemorate the occasion, he released the Value of Crafts Report and a commemorative coffee table book titled “60 Years of WCC.”
Rohit Kansal, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, remarked that the Forum marks a pivotal moment in transforming perceptions of crafts and creating resilient ecosystems for artisans worldwide. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, noted that the Forum reflects India’s dedication to preserving its diverse crafts while fostering international collaboration.
The event has brought together artisans from across India and craftspeople from over 20 countries, offering a platform to showcase the finest traditional crafts and engage in discussions on innovation, sustainability, and global outreach.
Founded by visionaries Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Margaret M. Patch, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, the World Crafts Council has placed India at the heart of its global initiatives. The Forum is envisioned as a biennial flagship event rotating across the WCC’s five geographic regions, aiming to set a benchmark for the future of global crafts.
With a focus on collaboration, sustainability, and inspiring the younger generation, the World Crafts Forum 2024 is poised to be a landmark event, reaffirming the timeless value of crafts and shaping an inclusive and vibrant future for artisans worldwide.
The Forum’s agenda includes interactive sessions, exhibitions, and cultural showcases in Srinagar, further cementing India’s position as a global leader in craft heritage and innovation.