“Amrita Shilpa Kalakshetra” is an institute dedicated to the cause of spreading and reviving the traditional Arts & Crafts of India with the objective of helping sustain the glorious cultural heritage of our country. The mission is to make Amrita Shilpa Kalakshetra a blueprint, a premiere platform for promotion and revival of traditional Indian handicrafts through training of talented craftsmen. Amrita Shilpa Kalakshetra, is an extention centre of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, the University of Mata Amritanandamayi Math
The Genesis:
From time immemorial India has been source of cultural dissemination to the world which is the very pre-requisite for a harmonious and holistic existence. This unique culture has been brought to the world through a great lineage of luminous souls born in this hallowed land who were the very epitome of knowledge, love and compassion. The rich arts and crafts of India have played a vital role in the spread of this invaluable culture. The forms of Gods, Goddesses, Deities and other related celestial and cosmic forms have always been portrayed through the inner vision of saints which were then brought to us by the creativity of artists and artisans.
Wood Craft:
Wood Carving is a very ancient handicraft that has found expression in most artistic monuments and works in India. The artisans of yore enjoyed both wealth and status in society. In today’s world, the scenario is much different. Ordinary labour, leave alone carpenters, earn much higher than a skilled and articulate Wood Sculptor. This form of handicraft like most crafts used to be passed on as a family profession from generation to generation. But now this is no longer so. The scenario now is so bleak that the craftsmen wishing to end the penury and misery with them, are no longer interested to bequeath the intricacies of their art to their offspring. Hence they encourage their children to pursue the other professions or the regular college education, which seemingly promises better future.
HRD – Training through Established Institutions (TTEI) scheme:
In order to restore the lost charm and faith in such crafts like Wood Carving amongst the artisans, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is now launching this premiere institute “Amrita Shilpa Kalakshetra” that aims at reviving all traditional crafts in India. Towards this end and as a first step in this direction the University in collaboration with Development Commissioner – Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India has undertaken to conduct an “Advanced training in Wood Carving & Ornamental Design” under the HRD – Training through Established Institutions (TTEI) scheme.
The Programme:
Central to this whole problem is only one compelling issue - that of financial viability for the craftsmen community. This can be achieved in two simple steps. One; to improve quality and increase production. And the other; to find new markets. This raises the question whether in today’s competitive market the artisan has the requisite marketing, managerial and bargaining skills.
This is the scenario where Amrita enters. Its specially designed courses incorporating modern machinery-based sculpting skills attempt to shoot up both quality and quantity parameters by many notches, addressing the first question above. And for the second, Amrita envisages imparting skills to deal with buyers and financial institutions.
The aim is to provide meaningful and self-empowering exposure in Woodcraft to talented youth who have an inherent aptitude along with sufficient experience in Wood Carving. The duration of the course is 6 months and aims to train the young artisans in advance techniques using modern technology and sophisticated machineries. Selected candidates will be provided a monthly stipend of Rs. 2000/- and can avail best infrastructure and expert guidance.
To Enroll:
Interested craftsmen (Wood carving) in the age group of 18 to 35 years who wish to undertake this course of “Advanced Craftsmanship Training in Wood Carving/Ornamental Design” may send in their application or contact to:
The Project Coordinator
Tel: 0471 2134134, Mobile: 9895973071, 9995396329
Email: amritashilpa@amritapuri.amrita.edu
