The four-day exhibition will host 75 artisans across 20 states of India
Ahmedabad, October 1, 2021: Renowned humanitarian and Padma Shri awardee, Smt. Reema Nanavaty along with the Managing Director of India Exim Bank, Ms. Harsha Bangari inaugurated the seventh edition of ‘Exim Bazaar’ at Ahmedabad Haat, Vastrapur in Ahmedabad today. The Bazaar, organized by India Exim Bank will showcase traditional and contemporary art and craft products from across the country from Friday to Monday, October 01 to 04, 2021.
The exhibition assumes significance as it aims to support local, home-grown artisans from various states. Complimenting the role Exim Bazaar plays to strengthen women artisans, Ms. Nanavaty said, “Artisans faced immense losses as their business scope was much impacted due to the pandemic. For women and their families, it was especially tough to handle financial and domestic stress in the lockdown. Opportunities like the Bazaar should be encouraged to display one’s work and make up for the lost time.”
Commenting on why this platform should be leveraged by the grassroots enterprises, Ms. Bangari said, “We are happy to bring together 75 artisans from all over the country to mark the 75 years of India’s independence, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It is inspiring for us to see such a positive response for the artisans from Ahmedabad. It also reflects the interest which the people in the state have towards the local arts of the country. The Exim Bazaar is organized by the India Exim Bank with an objective to boost business prospects for many individual artisans as well as micro & grassroots enterprises. The exhibition provides wider visibility and brand promotion for the artisans to market their products. This gives them access to direct customers and generate future sales leads, as well as understanding consumer preferences, improve industry knowledge and discover latest trends.”
Over 10 artisans from Gujarat itself are showcasing their work in the exhibition. Artisans from other states of the country including Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh are present in the exhibition. Some of the participating artisans and weavers who are exhibiting their diverse range of skills, talents and techniques are national and state awardees.
Art forms such as Madhubani paintings, leather puppetry, Warli paintings, Pichwai paintings, Phulkari embroidery, Pattachitra paintings, Phad paintings, Banarasi silk fabrics, lac bangles, Kawad paintings, Kalamkari paintings, Chanderi weaving, ceramic pottery, bidri art among others are on display and available for sale at this exhibition.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Dharmendra Sachan, General Manager, India Exim Bank said, “India Exim Bank assists artisans, master craftsmen, weavers, clusters, self-help groups, NGOs, grassroots and micro enterprises through capacity building, participation at trade fairs and exhibitions both in India and overseas and sourcing overseas buyers and distributors, under its Grassroots Initiatives and Development (GRID) and Marketing Advisory Services (MAS) programmes. The assistance under these programmes has enabled financial empowerment, employment generation and promotion of entrepreneurship among individual artisans, and ensuring the survival of century old traditional handicraft and handloom products and sustenance of the traditional heritage of Indian crafts”.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Dharmendra Sachan, General Manager, GRID & MAS, India Exim Bank
8th Floor, Maker Chamber IV, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021
Ph: +91-22-22861300; E-mail: grid@eximbankindia.in