Weaving traditions and cultural representations from eight areas of India/South Asia formed the core of Hasta Shilpam event aiming to spread awareness of culture and heritage of India on the occasion of World Heritage Week recently. Organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence at the House of Lords and hosted by Baroness Verma, the event included compelling presentations & fascinating dances celebrating the richness of diversity and has received exceptional feedback from the attendees.
The programme started with opening speech by Baroness Verma, who spoke on the importance of upkeeping artistry and heritage. She lauded the consistent efforts of Sanskruti Centre in promoting the Indian arts, culture and heritage in the UK and beyond. Dr Anjali Sharma Tiwari has presented handlooms and folk music of Rajasthan, Dr Rosalin Patasani Mishra of spoke on weavers of Odisha, Dr Lakhumal Luhana presented 5000-year-old Ajrak tradition of Sindh, Taba Menia presented weaving tradition of Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh and Dr Pritha Dasmahapatra presented Jamdani tradition of Bengal. Renowned singer-song writer Renu Gidoomal has introduced the speakers on the occasion.
Renu Gidoomal introducing the speakers
Handlooms of Santhali tribal community of Odisha and Apatani tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh were highlighted through dances by Harsha Rani and Ananya Vilina, Ilkal of Karnataka was highlighted through Suggi dance by Madhushree Murthy, Pochampalli of Telangana was highlighted by Vanamala Acha through folk dance and Kuthampulli of Kerala was highlighted by Manju Sunil through traditional dance.
Apatani’s Cultural Representation
It is noteworthy that Apatani tribal culture and Adi weaving tradition of Arunachal Pradesh are presented for the very first time in the UK, and perhaps a first in Europe as well, which is a significant milestone. Ashok Verma felicitated the presenters and vote of thanks was rendered by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder-Trustee of Sanskruti Centre.
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs honourable Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Textiles, honourable Piyush Goyal, Culture Minister of Arunachal Pradesh honourable Taba Tedir and Culture Minister of Odisha, honourable Aswini Kumar Patra have sent their congratulatory notes to Sanskruti Centre on the occasion.
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Sanskruti keep well upto their name by organising such heart warning programmes and may they continue