Empowerment and Innovation: The Grand PM Vishwakarma Exhibition in Silvassa Showcases 18 Traditional Crafts
The PM Vishwakarma Exhibition and Trade Fair has officially commenced in Silvassa, the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, marking a glorious celebration of Indian heritage and artisanal excellence. This high-profile event is a collaborative initiative organized by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, in partnership with the District Industries Centre. Hosted at the prestigious Kalakendra in Silvassa, the two-day exhibition serves as a vital platform for traditional craftsmen and women who have preserved the country’s ancient skills for generations. By bringing the magic of hand-crafted products to a modern marketplace, the event aims to provide national recognition to those whose work often remains hidden in the rural interiors of the nation.
For the 18 diverse trades involved, the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition is more than just a commercial event; it is a moment of profound professional pride. The fair highlights the symbiotic relationship between tradition and economic growth, offering a glimpse into the diverse skills of the “Vishwakarma” community. From intricate wood carvings to the rhythmic wheel of the potter, the exhibition captures the essence of India’s creative soul. Visitors from across the Union Territory have been flocking to the venue, mesmerized by the quality and authenticity of the products on display, signaling a renewed public interest in supporting local, home-grown industries.
Economic Growth and Market Access Through the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition
One of the primary objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition is the economic empowerment of local artisans by providing them with direct access to a high-intent consumer base. In the traditional retail model, craftsmen often struggle with the presence of multiple intermediaries who consume a significant portion of the profits. This exhibition effectively eliminates the middlemen, allowing the artisans to interact directly with their customers. This direct conduit not only ensures that the creators receive the full value for their labor but also allows them to receive real-time feedback on their designs and pricing strategies.
The first day of the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition witnessed a significant volume of sales, providing an immediate financial boost to the participants. The items showcased—ranging from hand-stitched leather goods to sophisticated bamboo furniture—demonstrate that despite the rise of mass-produced factory items, the demand for unique, hand-crafted goods remains robust. By securing a physical space in a major urban hub like Silvassa, these artisans are able to move beyond their local village markets and tap into a much larger economic ecosystem. This shift is a critical component of the national vision to double the income of rural artisans and ensure their long-term financial stability.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs at the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition
A standout feature of this year’s PM Vishwakarma Exhibition is the remarkable contribution of the “Sakhi Mandals” or Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Women from Silvassa and its surrounding tribal villages have presented an impressive array of herbal and organic products. These entrepreneurs have moved beyond traditional crafts into the manufacturing of chemical-free shampoos, natural soaps, and organic detergents. The heavy footfall at these specific stalls underscores a growing consumer preference for sustainable and eco-friendly products. The exhibition has provided these women with the confidence to transition from small-scale domestic production to a more organized commercial model.
The presence of these SHGs at the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition proves that given the right platform, women in the rural economy can become significant drivers of change. The quality of the herbal products on display often rivals that of major national brands, yet they are sold at a fraction of the cost, directly benefiting both the producer and the consumer. The exhibition has empowered these women with a sense of self-reliance, demonstrating that their traditional knowledge of herbs and natural resources can be converted into a profitable business venture. This is a shining example of how local talent can fulfill the requirements of a modern, health-conscious market.
Bridging Tradition and Technology in the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition
To ensure that artisans are not left behind in the digital age, the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition included a series of specialized technical sessions designed to modernize the way traditional products are sold. Experts from the fields of design and technology conducted workshops on “Design Innovation” and the “Power of E-commerce.” The goal is to encourage artisans to refine their aesthetics to meet global standards while maintaining the authenticity of their craft. By integrating modern design elements with traditional techniques, the products featured at the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition become more appealing to urban and international markets.
The emphasis on E-commerce during the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition marks a pivotal shift in the artisanal landscape. Artisans were educated on how to photograph their products, manage digital inventories, and list their goods on global online marketplaces. This digital leap allows a potter or a weaver in Silvassa to reach a customer in New York or London with the same ease as someone in their own neighborhood. This “Local to Global” strategy ensures that the ancient arts of India are not just preserved as museum pieces but continue to thrive as vibrant, competitive businesses in the 21st-century global economy.
Financial Support and Skill Development at the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition
The PM Vishwakarma Exhibition also serves as a comprehensive information hub for the various financial schemes offered by the Government of India. Throughout the event, officials have been providing detailed briefings on the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which offers collateral-free loans at concessional interest rates, toolkit incentives, and stipends for skill-upgradation training. Many artisans took the opportunity to register for the scheme on the spot, recognizing it as a lifeline for expanding their workshops and purchasing modern equipment. The exhibition has successfully bridged the information gap, ensuring that every eligible craftsman is aware of the state support available to them.
From blacksmiths crafting durable agricultural tools to tailors and masons, every category of the 18 identified trades is covered under this welfare umbrella. The PM Vishwakarma Exhibition has facilitated a dialogue between the government and the creators, ensuring that the benefits of the scheme are disbursed transparently. The provision of a ₹15,000 toolkit incentive is particularly helpful for young artisans who wish to start their own ventures but lack the initial capital for quality tools. This focus on skill development ensures that the quality of craftsmanship continues to improve, making Indian hand-made products a hallmark of excellence worldwide.
Preserving National Heritage at the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition
In an era dominated by rapid industrialization, the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of India. By showcasing these traditional arts at the Kalakendra, the event has attracted a large number of students and young professionals. For many in the younger generation, seeing a live demonstration of hand-weaving or wood-turning is a rare educational experience that fosters respect for their cultural roots. The exhibition serves as a living museum, where the skills of the past are celebrated and passed down to the future.
The massive trade volume generated during the two days of the PM Vishwakarma Exhibition has injected new energy into the local trade community of Silvassa. It has proven that there is deep value in “Swadeshi” (indigenous) production and that the public is eager to support the artisans who represent the backbone of the rural economy. As the fair concludes, the artisans leave with more than just financial gains; they carry with them new technical knowledge, digital tools, and the pride of knowing that their craft is valued by the nation. The successful conclusion of this event in Silvassa is a significant step toward the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), where every citizen’s skill contributes to the national growth story.
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