The Artisan Upliftment Programme Awards were handed to seven craftsmen, recognizing and honoring them for their ingenuity and skills.
IBJA held an Artisan Upliftment Programme at IBJA House in Mumbai from August 2-8, 2023, where craftsmen displayed their creations. The event drew about 6000 visitors. The Artisan Upliftment Programme Awards were held on August 9, 2023, as part of the Artisan Upliftment Programme week.
The World Gold Council powered the Artisan Upliftment Programme Awards, which were backed by the Bengali Swarna Shilpi Kalyan Sangha.
Samir Maji, Srikanta Bera, Sujit Bera, Ramhari Dey, Akramal Shaikh, Rabindranath Maity, and Sushil Maji were among the artisans honored.
Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta, National President of the IBJA. Surendra Mehta, National Secretary – IBJA, Ajit Mauskar, Director, Market Infrastructure -India, WGC, Kalidas Sinha Roy, Secretary, Bengali Swarna Shilpi Kalyan Sangh, Rajaram Deshmukh, Chairman, Goldsmiths Coordination Committee, members of the Bengali Swarna Shilpi Kalyan Sangh, and other dignitaries and stakeholders attended.
According to Prithviraj Kothari, the IBJA program was created to help artisans better their working and living situations. “We must ensure that the Bengali karigar skills and tradition are preserved.” And be showcased on a global stage.” He complimented Surendra Mehta, IBJA’s National Secretary, for his persistent work in putting together the Artisan Upliftment Programme.
“This is a fantastic initiative by the IBJA,” stated Rajaram Deshmukh, Chairman of the Goldsmiths Coordination Committee. I am delighted to see karigars and stakeholders from the jewelry business gathered under one roof.The welfare and upliftment of artisans will benefit not only the karigars, but the entire jewelry industry.”
Bengali Swarna Shilpi Kalyan Secretary Kalidas Sinha Roy congratulated Prithviraj Kothari, Surendra Mehta, and WGC for their efforts in putting this initiative together. “The karigar is the foundation of the jewelry industry; if the foundation is strong, nothing can shake the jewelry industry.” Next year, I’m hoping for a bigger and better Artisans Upliftment Program.”
Surendra Mehta, National Secretary of the IBJA, praised the karigars, Bengali Swarna Shilpi Kalyan Sangha, and WGC for their contributions to the Artisans Upliftment Programme’s achievement. “This program was an experiment that was a success. This is simply the beginning of a long road with a lot of work ahead of us. IBJA will always be dedicated to the advancement and well-being of artisans. Education, skill development, and marketing training programs will be offered in the future.”