3 weeks ago

Artists from Naxal-Affected Bastar Create I-Day At Home Invitation Kit

Artists from Naxal-Affected Bastar Create I-Day At Home Invitation Kit
Nearly 50 artists from once Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh behind creation of I-Day’s At Home invitation kit · theprint.in

For India's Independence Day, the President sends special party invitations to important guests.

This year, the invitations were made completely by hand instead of in a factory.

Almost 50 of the artists come from a part of India called Bastar, which used to be very dangerous because of fighting.

The artists used old crafts that their families have known for a very long time.

The invitations show art from four states: Chhattisgarh, Goa, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

They include shiny metal art made from old scrap, tile paintings of coastal wetlands, and tribal paintings made with dots.

Everything is natural and good for the environment, with nothing plastic or machine-made.

When the guests arrive, they will be welcomed with a soft shawl handwoven from silk and cotton.

Making these invitations gives the artists important jobs and shows that their traditional skills are valuable.

The President's invitation is a way of saying the whole country is proud of their work.

Key facts

Event
Independence Day At Home invitation kit
Host
President Droupadi Murmu
Artisans
Around 130 people, including nearly 50 artists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh
Conceptualised by
Rashtrapati Bhavan officials and National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
States featured
Chhattisgarh, Goa, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
Crafts showcased
Dhokra casting, Pitwa craft, Azulejo tile painting, Warli painting, Bhil artwork
Design period
Over more than three months
Guest welcome
Traditional draping of a handwoven Maheshwari stole

Quotes

Ashok Mondal

Director of the National Institute of Design (NID)

“The invitation kit was created by around 130 people, including nearly 50 artisans from the once Left‑Wing Extremism‑affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, highlighting the transformative impact of inclusive development and livelihood opportunities.”
theprint.in

Sources

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