###Rural Artisans Need Better Market Access for Their Craft Skills: Governor Bagde
More Opportunities Needed for Folk Artists and Craftsmen Amid Modern Technological Challenges
Goa/Udaipur, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde has called upon the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC) to intensify efforts for the promotion of art, culture, and artists across its member states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu. He emphasized the need to create greater market opportunities for rural artisans and craftsmen while preserving traditional art forms and cultural heritage.
Addressing the Annual Governing Committee Meeting of the West Zone Cultural Centre in Goa, Governor Bagde stressed that folk artists and traditional craftsmen must be supported in adapting to the challenges posed by modern communication technologies. He advocated organizing more cultural programs, workshops, and training initiatives to ensure that traditional arts continue to thrive in contemporary society.
The meeting also resolved to organize a major cultural festival in Goa jointly by the Government of Goa’s Department of Art and Culture and the West Zone Cultural Centre.
Also present at the meeting was Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who highlighted Goa’s rich cultural heritage and urged the cultural department and WZCC to develop a coordinated action plan for hosting large-scale cultural events in the state.
Governor Raju emphasized the importance of fostering greater appreciation for arts in society, providing national-level platforms to artists from rural areas, and creating effective marketing avenues for traditional handicrafts and cultural products.
Speaking at the gathering, Governor Bagde remarked that a society remains sensitive and culturally vibrant when art and artists continue to flourish. He called for regular workshops, training programs, and cultural initiatives involving both senior and young artists, extending even to remote villages and hamlets.
He further urged the Centre to make stronger efforts to showcase the cultural heritage and folk traditions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman, Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli to wider audiences. Appreciating initiatives undertaken during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, including Har Ghar Tiranga and Meri Maati Mera Desh, he suggested that successful models such as the Shilpgram Festival in Udaipur should be replicated in other regions to support local artisans and facilitate effective marketing of handicrafts and cultural products.
During the meeting, participants were presented with highlights of major festivals and cultural events organized by the Centre over the past year. The Director of the West Zone Cultural Centre, Dr. Ashwin M. Dalvi, delivered a detailed presentation on the Centre’s activities and financial status and submitted the annual report of achievements. Representatives from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and various cultural departments also shared their suggestions and recommendations.
Cultural Performances Captivate Audience
The evening concluded with a vibrant cultural showcase at Lok Bhavan, Goa. The program was inaugurated with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony in the presence of Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, and Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar.
The performances reflected the cultural diversity of western India and included Rajasthan’s Manganiyar folk singing, Bhapang instrumental music, Bhavai dance, and Kalbelia dance; Goa’s Dekhni and Samai dances; Maharashtra’s Saungi Mask Dance; and Gujarat’s Siddhi Dhamal. The event concluded with a group photograph featuring all participating artists and dignitaries.
The program was compered by Durgesh Chandwani and left the audience deeply impressed by the richness and diversity of India’s cultural heritage.
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