Art needs No words: Exhibition of tribals handicrafts at Graphic Era University
Dehradun, November 12: Tribal artists and craftsmen from across the country showcased the diversity and cultural heritage of India through their unique creations at Graphic Era. Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Development of Uttarakhand, Smt. Rekha Arya, said that “Art needs no words to express itself. A true artist can express what words cannot, through clay, threads, metals, and colors.”
Addressing the special program Craftkatha – Chapter 3 as the Chief Guest at Graphic Era Hill University, Smt. Rekha Arya said that “Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is a land where nature, tradition, culture, tribal life, and art are beautifully intertwined. Our artisans and craftsmen are not just creators but the true carriers of India’s soul, preserving our cultural identity and emotions through their creations across generations.”
She appreciated Graphic Era for providing a meaningful platform that connects today’s youth with India’s folk and tribal arts.
Smt. Rekha Arya inaugurated the Craft Jharokha exhibition organized under Craftkatha. The exhibition presented a vibrant confluence of India’s tribal arts and handicraft traditions, where artisans from different parts of the country reflected the deep bond between culture, nature, and life through their art. The exhibition featured Gond paintings, Dhokra metal craft, Toda embroidery, Molela terracotta art, Sabai grass weaving, Lambani embroidery, and Bodo handloom. Each artwork displayed India’s diversity and creativity in a unique way.
Every stall was not just an art display but also a living story of the artisans who have shaped and preserved their ancestral traditions with skill and dedication. The crafts made of clay, threads, metal, and colors emerged as true symbols of India’s soul. Smt. Rekha Arya visited each stall, interacted with the tribal artists from various states, and learned about their crafts and products.
During the event, a panel discussion titled “Shilp Samvaad” brought together experts from the fields of art, education, and policy-making to discuss the preservation and future of tribal arts. The discussion featured Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister and Director of Tribal Welfare, Uttarakhand, Shri Sanjay Singh Tolia, Vice Chancellor of Graphic Era Hill University, Dr. Amit R. Bhatt, AIACA Governing Body Member, Dr. Madhura Datta, Co-founder of Shilp Concept, Shri Rajesh Jain, Craft and Design Expert, Gunjan Jain, and Tribal Artist, Shri Rajendra Kumar Shyam.
Shri Tolia said that merely preserving tribal art is not enough; it is equally important to create markets and recognition for the artists’ talent. He added that the government has taken several significant steps in this direction.
Craftkatha was jointly organized by the Department of Fashion Design, Graphic Era Hill University, and the All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA). The event was graced by Registrar Dr. D.K. Joshi, Head of the Fashion Design Department Dr. Jyoti Chhabra, Executive Director of AIACA Meenu Chopra, along with Amrit Das, Shraddha Shukla, Anshita Singh, Vipul Tiwari, other faculty members, and students. The program was conducted by Dr. Himani Binjola.
Crowd Gathers Around the Stall
Stalls displaying handicrafts from tribal communities of various states drew large crowds till late evening. Items such as shawls, stoles, handbags, baskets, inverted lamps, and paintings adorned the stalls showcasing Gond painting, Dhokra metal craft, Toda embroidery, Molela terracotta art, Sabai grass weaving, Lambani embroidery, and Bodo handloom — products rarely found in markets. Cabinet Minister Smt. Rekha Arya visited each stall and appreciated the unique cultural and traditional creations exhibited by the artisans.
