Report on 3-Day Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Programme
(10th March 2026 to 12th March 2026)
1. Introduction
A 3-day Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Programme was organized by Amaipara Pollishree Handicraft Producer Company Limited under the sponsorship of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The programme was conducted under the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) with the aim of strengthening the handicrafts sector and supporting artisan communities. The focus of the programme was on the promotion and development of the Kantha Embroidery Stitching Craft of Murshidabad.
The programme was held at the CFC Centre, Dubrakhali Kantha Embroidery & Stitching Cluster from 10th March 2026 to 12th March 2026, with participation from 20 artisans.
2. Objectives of the Programme
The key objectives of the programme were:
To promote the traditional Kantha Embroidery Stitching Craft
- To enhance the technical skills of artisans through live demonstrations
- To encourage entrepreneurship and cluster-based development
- To facilitate direct interaction between artisans and domain experts
- Programme Implementation
The programme was conducted over three days and included:
- Craft demonstration sessions by master craftspersons
- Awareness sessions by experts from banking, agriculture, and development sectors
- Interactive discussions and experience sharing
- Practical exposure to improved techniques and design inputs
4. Details of Resource Persons
Day 1 – 10.03.2026
- Mr. Amitava Maity – DDM, NABARD
- Mr. Fazal Mamud – LDM, PNB
- Dr. Uttam Roy – Sr. Scientist & Head, KVK
- Ms. Sumana Adhikari – Master Craftsperson
- Ms. Namita Das Mondal – Master Craftsperson
Day 2 – 11.03.2026
- Mr. Parikshit Das – Head Teacher, Sewragachhi Jr. Basic School
- Mr. Rasidul Islam – State Bank of India
- Ms. Sumana Adhikari – Master Craftsperson
- Ms. Namita Das Mondal – Master Craftsperson
Day 3 – 12.03.2026
- Mr. Tanmay Brahma – Former G.M., DIC
- Mr. Dhrubajyoti Mondal – HPO, HSC, DC Handicrafts, Burdwan
- Ms. Sumana Adhikari – Master Craftsperson
- Ms. Namita Das Mondal – Master Craftsperson
5. Key Activities
- Demonstration of Kantha embroidery techniques
- Awareness sessions on government schemes and artisan support programs
- Financial literacy and banking linkage discussions
- Design and skill development guidance
- Interactive sessions with resource persons
6. Outcomes of the Programme
The programme achieved the following outcomes:
- Enhanced technical knowledge and practical skills of participating artisans
- Improved awareness regarding government support schemes under NHDP
- Strengthened confidence among artisans for self-employment and entrepreneurship
- Promotion of cluster-based handicraft development
7. Impact
The programme had a positive impact on the artisan community:
- Strengthened the Kantha embroidery cluster in Jiaganj Block Area
- Encouraged adoption of improved stitching techniques and design innovation
- Contributed towards sustainable livelihood generation
- Promoted preservation and growth of traditional handicraft heritage
8. Conclusion
The 3-day Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Programme was successfully conducted and proved to be highly beneficial for the participating artisans. The combination of live/technical demonstrations, awareness sessions, and expert interaction contributed significantly to the overall development of the handicraft cluster.
