GDCW, Kathua Hosts Three-Day Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Program 

Kathua—Government Degree College for Women, Kathua, hosted a three-day Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Program (CDAP) from 7th to 9th November 2023. This significant initiative was organized in collaboration with the Office of the D.C, Udhampur (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, dedicated to promoting craft and artisan-based activities.

On the first day, the inaugural session of this program began with the lighting of a lamp, and Ms. Romika Bassin, the Convener of Career Counselling and Placement and the IIC Cell, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Savi Behl, the esteemed Principal of GDCW, addressed the audience during the inaugural session, emphasizing the importance of preserving and celebrating India’s diverse handicraft traditions. The primary goal of this Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Program (CDAP) was to create awareness and spread knowledge about the rich craft heritage of India. During the three-day Craft Development Awareness Program (CDAP), officials from HSC Udhampur visited and shared their expertise in various fields. Sh. Surinder Pal, Senior Assistant Director of Handicrafts Service Centre Udhampur, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts); Smt. Swati Matura, Assistant Director; and Sh. Saurabh Sawhney, Chief Technical Officer (CTO), delivered lectures. They shared their experiences and emphasized the role of handicrafts in developing essential skills for the country’s growth. On the second day, artisans specializing in various crafts shared their expertise: Sh. Dharam Pal, NMC, specialized in Basholi painting. Smt. Sona Rupi, a state awardee, demonstrated Basholi painting techniques.

Sh. Sardari Lal, MCP, focused on Cane & Bamboo craftsmanship. Smt. Shamina shared her expertise in paper machie art. These skilled artisans guided the participants on how to create traditional crafts, including Basholi painting, paper machie, and cane & bamboo art. The program featured a series of demonstration sessions, workshops, and interactive activities, offering a unique learning experience to the students. On the third day, demonstrators provided a training session and shared further knowledge with the students. Later, a competition was organized among the students to display their talent and demonstrate how much they had learned from the three-day workshop. A prize distribution ceremony followed, with the first, second, and third-place winners selected in three categories:

Basholi painting, Paper Machie, and Bamboo art. In the Painting Competition, Ms. Pragati Sharma of the 3rd semester was declared the first; Ms. Gayatri Devi from the 1st semester secured the second position; Ms. Manisha Kumari of the 3rd semester achieved the third place. In the Bamboo Art category, the winners were: Ms. Nikita from the 1st semester claimed the first-place position. Ms. Astha Jaggi earned the second place. For the Paper Machie competition, Shivali from 5th Sem was awarded the first place and Tamana secured the third position. 

Dr. Savi Behl, the principal of the college, delivered a concluding speech in which she expressed gratitude to all officials and demonstrators for imparting practical knowledge to the students, which would help them improve their skills. The program concluded with a vote of thanks given by Dr. Vaishno Devi, from the Department of Dogri. The event was graced by various committee members, including Prof. Pallavi, Ms. Anuradha, Dr. Usha Kiran and Dr. Deepti Salotra. Their collective efforts ensured the successful organization of the program, promising an engaging and enlightening experience for all participants. A total of 60 students participated and attended this awareness and craft demonstration program.