Ahmedabad: Sathvaro: Adani Foundation’s effort to revive Indian arts and crafts. Loktej Business, Regional News

Adani Foundation launched the Sathwaro Mela, a two-day event at Adani Corporate House (ACH), Ahmedabad showcasing the diverse arts and crafts of India. The event showcased a range of handmade products made by 20 Self Help Groups (SHGs) and artisans from across the country. With a focus on empowering artisans and preserving cultural heritage, the event bridges the gap between artisans and consumers. Through this platform, the Foundation aims to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic development.

From Sikki craft of Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh) to Suf and clay work of Mundra (Gujarat) to Warli art of Maharashtra, palm leaf products of Kattupalli (Tamil Nadu) and coconut shell wares of Vizhinjam (Kerala), various Various types of handicrafts were displayed. The exhibition received an overwhelming response from visitors, who had a plethora of traditional and contemporary crafts to choose from and buy – each of which tells the story of India’s cultural richness.

Standing at her stall and explaining the art of Sikki painting to a potential buyer gives Usha a sense of pride. She always wanted to do something on her own and Sathwaro’s initiative has given wings to her dream. Sikki panting is an intricate craft made from paper made from the golden stems of Sikki grass, which the women themselves make, she says. He is confident that with the support of the Foundation he and his group will be able to achieve gains that will translate into profits. Overall, the two-day event generated a valuable turnover of over Rs 6,50,000 to women and artists and created awareness about the endangered art among the visitors, including Adani Group employees.

The Sathwaro fair gave rise to a dying art like Rogan art, which has its roots in Kutch, Gujarat. Skilled artisans in this traditional technique create intricate and colorful patterns on cloth using castor-based paint. Unfortunately, this exquisite art is facing the threat of extinction as only one family is practicing it. Another art form Sadeli craft is also displayed in the Sathwaro fair. Artists associated with Sadeli art are residents of Surat, Gujarat. In this art, artisans intricately join wood to create geometric patterns, resulting in stunning and colorful boxes. This old art faces the threat of extinction today, with only a few handicrafts left. Artisans often struggle economically due to lack of access to markets.

The aim of the foundation is to provide them a platform where they can showcase their products and sell them at a profitable rate. The Sathwaro Mela at ACH was an initiative to connect artisans to Adani’s corporate gift program and open doors to a potentially profitable market. Its objective is to provide a stable income source to the artisans, thereby significantly increasing their financial stability.

There is a need to contribute to maintaining cultural identity at the national level, says Vasant Gadhvi, executive director of Adani Foundation. “There is also a need to promote cultural handicrafts globally which will create awareness and support the artisans and their crafts. Through the revival of ancient crafts, Saithwaro aims to inspire the younger generation to carry forward their cultural heritage. It also aims to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to economic growth, sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation.

Sathvaro means together and its logo is a symbol of unity, representing the strength of holding and embracing each other. Upholding art and artisans, Sathvaro strives to empower artisans through fresh and contemporary designs while meeting modern demands. In the exhibitions, artisans learn the importance of marketing and quality control which helps them in maintaining the accuracy of design and quality of craft items as per the market demand.