FLO Bangalore, under the leadership of Chairperson Ms. Dekyi Yangtso Chawla, in collaboration with NIFT Bengaluru, organized The Craft Connection – a vibrant Craft Bazaar at the NIFT campus.
The event went beyond a cultural showcase to serve as a purposeful market intervention, directly empowering artisans by connecting them with students, consumers, and design professionals. FLO Bangalore proudly sponsored award-winning artisans including: Hanumanth Rao, state-awarded leather puppetry artisan from Chikkaballapur, and Kollegal silk saree weavers, representing Karnataka’s rich textile legacy.
They joined 22 artisans from across India, offering a diverse range of handmade textiles and crafts. Over 1,000 attendees – students, faculty, and FLO members – engaged with artisans, learned about craft processes, purchased directly from stalls, and provided valuable feedback. The lively participation not only built cultural awareness but also generated direct livelihood impact for artisans.
This collaboration between FLO, NIFT, and artisan communities embodied the spirit of “social and skill collaboration”, strengthening India’s handmade heritage and making it relevant in today’s evolving marketplace.
Key Takeaways
- Empowering Artisans through Direct Market Access: The Craft Bazaar created a vital platform for artisans to engage with students, consumers, and design professionals, leading to cultural recognition and livelihood benefits.
- Celebrating and Showcasing Heritage: The event spotlighted India’s handloom and craft traditions, featuring award-winning artisans such as Hanumanth Rao (leather puppetry) and Kollegal silk saree weavers, alongside 22 other craftspeople from across India.
- Collaborative Model for Preservation: The partnership between FLO Bengaluru, NIFT
Bengaluru, and the artisan community demonstrated how strategic collaborations can sustain and promote traditional crafts.
This event reflects FLO’s alignment with the National Initiatives on Rural Skilling and Partnerships & Collaborations, reinforcing its commitment to empower artisan communities while preserving India’s timeless craft heritage.