VP calls for reviving the guru-disciple era

New Delhi, Sept 9: Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today called upon the Shilp Gurus to increase the number of their disciples for not only to preserve the rich and diverse craft heritage of the country but also the resurgence of handicraft sector as a whole.

Giving away the Shilp Guru Awards to 29 mastercraft persons of handicrafts for the year 2003, 2004 and 2005 here, Mr Shekhawat said there is no dearth of art in our country, but of admirers. And, to keep the ancient arts alive, the Shilp Gurus should revive the Guru-Disciple era and encourage the new generation to learn from their experiences.

The Vice President asked the government to create required infrastructure, open schools as training centres and appoint atleast one art teacher in every school to bring out the hidden potential in the sector.

He suggested that drop-outs from schools should be taught the art to earn their livelihood to undo the unemployment. Solution to economic problems can be found by encouraging art, he added.

Indian carpets are best in the world because of its uniqueness and intricate designs.

''India can be the Guru of Art in the world,'' Mr Shekhawat said.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Textiles Minister Shankersinh Vaghela said art is always invaluable and it should not die as old pieces of art are not easily available today.

Mr Vaghela stressed that art works of these shilp gurus should not be copied in anyway, to make them authentic and rare.

With a view to further augment the exports, it is proposed to promote the brand image of Indian handicrafts in the global markets on sustained basis.

The Minister said, despite handicraft being an unorganised sector, it has a tremendous potential for growth, employment generation and building the national economy.

Handicraft sector recorded an export turnover of Rs 17,226 crore during 2005-06 clocking a CAGR of 14 per cent. The increase was 10.63 per cent in rupee terms and 9.28 per cent in dollar terms during the year.

The Shilp Guru Award for mastercraft persons was introduced during 2002 on the occasion of ''Golden Jubilee Year of Handicrafts Resergence in India.'' The Award carries a gold coin, a shawl and a citation.

UNI