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REPORTS 125
EDII
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, speaking about the collaboration between the
artisans and designers, said “The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary
design is a testament to the resilience and creativity of our artisans. By providing our
artisans with necessary skills and support, we are not only preserving our heritage but
also creating new avenues for economic prosperity. This partnership between EDII and
the Commissionerate of Cottage Industries is a step towards building a vibrant and
sustainable future for Gujarat's artisanal communities”.
Shri Pravin Solanki, Secretary & Commissioner, Cottage and Rural Industry Dept. - Govt.
of Gujarat, “It is heartening to see how the artisans have evolved as a result of the
training. Their skills have got honed, they have developed a sense of market
requirements and have started creating designs accordingly. Platforms like the craft
exhibitions and the fashion shows encourage the artisans to think creatively. This event is
a testimony to the fact that Gujarat's traditional art has a strong market and preference,
and that training and handholding can ensure that our artisans grow in their business.”
EDII REPORTS 125
Artistry Unveiled
... the Hastkala Setu Yojana
Launched in 2020, the Govt. of Gujarat envisioned and EDII implemented, the Project Hastakala
Setu. The project has sensitized over 33,800 artisans and trained more than 21,000 artisans across
33 districts in Gujarat, with a focus on providing practical skills and market exposure. As a key
partner to the Commissionerate of Cottage Industries, Government of Gujarat, EDII remains
committed to nurturing entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable artisanal growth in the state.
EDII trained Hastakala Setu artisans brought together the timeless beauty of traditional Indian crafts
and the contemporary flair of top designers in a fashion show held on March 3, 2024. The event was
part of a three-day craft exhibition – Rang Soota, organized under the Hastakal Setu.

For 'Artistry Unveiled' - the fashion show, artisans collaborated with leading Indian fashion
designers to create an collection of garments that seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship
with modern aesthetics.

The three-day event, also support by GCCI and iNDEXT-C, was inaugurated on March 1st 2024. A B2B
networking event was organized and 40 participating artisans engaged with 70 industry leaders and
entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and formulate new partnerships. The attendees of the three-day
event had the opportunity to explore a vibrant marketplace showcasing over 30 distinct crafts like
Soof-work, Patola, Bandhani, Kala cotton, Kutchi embroidery, beadwork, Bhadohi rugs, Paithani,
Banarasi Silk, Bhagalpur Silk, Brocades, Pashmina, Applique work, Attar from Kannauj, and Ajrakh
from Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Kashmir, and Andhra Pradesh.

Renowned designers including Anuj Sharma, Purvi Joshi, Arshana Mandhwani, Rutuja Shah, Chinar
Farooqi, Krishna Patel, Arpit Agarwal, and Nishigandha Khaladkar lent their expertise to the show,
transforming traditional weaves and fabrics into contemporary works of art.

At the inauguration of the Fashion Show on March 3, 2024 are (2nd from L) Shri Pravin Solanki, Secretary &
Commissioner, Cottage and Rural Industry Dept. - Govt. of Gujarat; (L) Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General,
EDII along with other dignitaries lighting the ceremonial lamp.

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