Indore: President Droupadi Murmu engages with handicraft artists at Mrignayani Emporium, learns about Jhabua dolls, Bag print art et al

President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to Indore visited Mrignayani Emporium and had a look at the silk and cotton, Chanderi and Maheshwari Saris. She had discussions with artisans and weavers from tribal areas and appreciated their artistry. 

The artists presented handcrafted items made by them to the President. These artists are skilled in their crafts and have a unique national identity. They were overjoyed meeting and discuss with  Murmu. Also present were Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, and Managing Director of the Small Industries Corporation, Dr. Navneet Mohan Kothari.

During her discussions with the artisans, President Murmu emphasized the need to preserve and cherish ancient culture and traditions, noting the significant contributions of local craftsmen. She highlighted the importance of encouraging them to create employment opportunities. Murmu also clicked photos of the artisans at their request.

In a conversation with artisan Mubarak Khatri from Dhar district, she learned about Bag print art and asked how long he had been practicing it. Khatri shared that his family has been engaged in Bag print making for 11 generations and that he is imparting this art to the next generations. He demonstrated how Bag print can be applied to cotton fabric and mentioned that it is now also done on bamboo and silk saris.

President Smt. Murmu was informed by weaver Shri Alauddin Ansari from Maheshwar in Khargone district about his nationally awarded handwoven Sari. He explained that the print on the sari's border reflects the waves of the Narmada River. Impressed by the artistry, the President inquired about how long they have been doing this work. Ansari revealed that his family has been engaged in this craft for generations and that they currently provide employment to over 300 people including 70 women.

President Murmu was impressed by the Gond artist, Padma Shri Durga Bai, currently residing in Bhopal but originally from Dindori. She commended Smt. Khaikhu for her efforts to keep culture and art alive. Smt. Khaikhu explained that she teaches this art to children and provides free training to others through an organization.

When viewing the "Jhabua Dolls" by Padmashri Shri Ramesh and Smt. Shanti Parmar from Jhabua district, the President inquired whether the dolls were made from clay. The artists explained that they craft attractive dolls from cotton and fabric, providing free training to others to keep this art alive. They noted that all the dolls they take to markets and fairs sell out.

President Purchases Sari

President Smt. Murmu expressed pleasure in seeing the hand-woven saris. Talking to employees at Mrignayani Emporium she learnt about the saris' names and patterns. She was shown Chanderi, Maheshwari, cotton, and silk sarees. 

Requesting the staff to select a light-colored saree for her, Sarita Gawade chose a light pink Maheshwari saree. The President made a digital payment for the saree at the counter, assisted by employees Kavita Bhilware and Vipul Singh. Female employees Aruna Rapotu, Sadhana Shukla, Sangeeta Shukla, Meena Chaurasia, and Vandana Kothari also showed her various sarees and silk fabrics.

CM presents Chanderi Sari as memento to President

During her interaction with handicraft artists and observation of their art work at Mrignayani Emporium, CM Dr. Yadav presented a Chanderi sari to President Smt. Droupadi Murmu on behalf of the state.