5th National Tribal Craft Expo 2010
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31 jan 2010 17:12 IST

The Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Kantilal Bhuria inaugurated 5th National Tribal Craft Expo 2010 – AADISHILP, an exhibition showcasing the fascinating colours and treasures of Tribal India here today. It has been organized by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), an organisation under Ministry of tribal Affairs, from 29th January to 8th February, 2010. Shri Tushar A Chaudhary, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs was also present on the occasion.

Shri Kantilal Bhuria said that the Central Government has been providing financial and administrative assistance to TRIFED that is engaged in marketing development of tribal products including tribal art & craft under the brand name “TRIBES INDIA”. It is in the process of establishing a network of retail outlets across the country to market tribal products. TRIFED has expanded its retail outlets from a single outlet in 1999 to presently 40 outlets in 24 cities of India. TRIFED has established 26 outlets in 17 main cities of its own and is operating in association with 14 State Level organizations on consignment basis, thus making its presence felt successfully at national level. The concerted efforts of TRIFED in this field have resulted in consistent growth in sales which has increased from Rs.356 Lakh in 2006-07 to Rs. 589 Lakh in 2008-09 registering a growth of 165 per cent. TRIFED has already achieved a sale turnover of over Rs.573 Lakh up to 24 January, 2010. TRIFED has drawn up an ambitious plan of promoting tribal products for the five years for which the Ministry is providing financial support.

The main objective of TRIFED is to provide marketing support and create opportunities for marketing of tribal products so that tribals are able to fetch a fair and remunerative price for their products. TRIFED has continuously been organising Aadishilp and it is the fifth National Tribal Craft Expo at Dilli Haat. The exhibition showcases some of the excellent tribal craft from all over the country. Artisans from all the predominantly tribal States are participating in this Expo. There are 100 stalls exhibiting different tribal products. The stalls are dedicated to the Tribal demonstration of their beautiful creations in Metal, Terracotta, Textile, Bamboo, Jewellery, Forest products etc.

TRIFED is establishing institutional tie ups with institutions like Indian Institute of packaging, Indian Institute of Design (NID) for improving packaging, designs of the products as well as with State level institutions like NEHHDC, Guwahati; Girijan Coop. Copn., AP; Tripura Handicraft Development Corporation, Nagalanad Handicraft Development Corporations etc. to expand its sourcing base. Imparting training to tribal artisans for making handicraft and design development is another initiative for empowerment of tribal artisans.

The idea behind organizing such Expo is to provide a platform for tribal artisans to showcase their rich and ethnic art and craft. This year Aadishilp is presented in a new format where tribal dances will also form part of the presentation. Prakriti- a celebration of tribal dance and music organized jointly by Ministry of tribal Affairs and Ministry of Culture shall also be inaugurated on 5th February where tribal dance troupes from different States will present their colourful and vibrant performances making it an integrated event presenting tribal art and culture. A photo exhibition from 5th February onwards with the theme of “Tribal Prortraits” is also part of the celebrations. The idea is to present tribal art and culture in a holistic manner and provide a glimpse of the richness of tribal culture to the urban customers. The overwelming response to Aadishilp at Delhi encouraged TRIFED to expand its reach and therefore, it organized similar events at Shimla, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Bhopal during the current financial year.

The Chairman of TRIFED, Shri Kalu Singh Nalvaya, Managing Director, Dr. Bachittar Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

SB/PLS