In a vibrant showcase of tradition, art, and cultural dialogue, the Centre for Kachchh Studies, in collaboration with Somaiya Kala Vidya, orchestrated a two-day event titled ‘Weaving Stories, Traditions, and Textiles: Celebrating the Cultural Heritage of the Vankar Community of Kachchh’. This event, held at The Somaiya School Auditorium, brought together scholars, artisans, and enthusiasts to celebrate and deliberate on the rich cultural heritage of the Vankar community.
Day 1 Highlights: Empowerment Through Artisanal Craft
The event was inaugurated by Smt. Amrita Somaiya, Trustee-Somaiya Trusts. Dr. Yamini Shah, Assistant Director, Centre for Kachchh Studies, who extended a warm welcome to the guests and set the stage for the insightful sessions to follow. Chief Guest Smt. Amrita Somaiya captivated the audience with her deep insights into Kachchh studies, emphasizing the importance of empowering artisans and preserving their unique cultural identity.
Dr. V.N. Rajasekaran Pillai, Vice Chancellor, enriched the gathering with his lecture on the history of art in India, tracing its evolution from ancient origins to contemporary forms. The presence of dignitaries like Registrar Dr. Nandkumar Gilke, SKV Director Mr. Nishit Sangomla, and Artisan Advisor Shri Prakash Siju added gravitas to the event.
Nandini Oza, renowned for her work in documenting the oral histories of the Narmada struggle, delivered a thought-provoking discourse on the significance of oral histories. Her session, interspersed with folk songs and memoirs, highlighted the importance of preserving these narratives for future generations.
Krishna Vankar, a trailblazer in weaving and design education, discussed the pivotal role of women in weaving. Her session covered various aspects of weaving and market challenges, emphasizing the importance of self-identity and networking among women artisans.
The day concluded with a soulful rendition of Kachchhi folk bhajans by artisans, beautifully encapsulating the culture and beliefs of the region.
Day 2: Design, Education, and Artisanal Collaboration
The second day commenced with a panel discussion on Design Education, moderated by Nishit Sangomla. Panelists Smt. Amrita Somaiya, Smt. Savitha Suri, and Shri Prakash Siju shared insights on the evolving landscape of design education and the need for artisan conviction in design.
A session on the History and Evolution of Vankar Textiles, moderated by Yashika Malik, featured expert artisans sharing their perspectives on the art form’s origins and evolution. Shri Shamji Bhai Siju and his fellow panelists discussed how the community’s migration and interaction with nature influenced their weaving patterns and designs.
The event concluded on a high note with a performance by the Kachchhi Band, marking their first performance outside Kachchh. The enthusiasm and excitement of the artisans, as they shared their crafts and stories, were palpable.
This two-day event not only celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of the Vankar community but also highlighted the Centre for Kachchh Studies and Somaiya Kala Vidya’s commitment to artisan empowerment, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The diverse sessions, ranging from academic discourses to practical insights into weaving and design, offered a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities facing the artisan community today. This event marks a significant step in recognizing and elevating the invaluable contributions of these artisans to India’s cultural landscape.
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