Day 1 – 09/08/2024, at Surat
On August 09 and 10, 2024, a team of four members from Thar Dhat Handicrafts Society visited Gujarat for a two-day exposure visit, starting with Pragati Handicrafts, Surat. Their visit focused on exploring Sadeli craft, a 1200-year-old art with roots in Persia, which was originally known as Khatam Kari. This intricate craft was introduced to India by Persian artists and has since evolved into a highly detailed and coveted form of craftsmanship. Mr. Rakesh Petigara, a State Award winner and master craftsman, guided the team through the nuances of Sadeli craft. He explained how this traditional art form involves careful cutting of small wooden pieces into various geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, rectangles, rounds, and hexagons. These pieces are then carefully joined together to create exquisite products, including sofa sets, book racks, lamp holders, pen holders, and trays. The team was fully engaged in the process, closely observing every step of the process, which requires extreme precision and patience. They explored the possibility of blending Sadeli craft with the distinctive woodcraft of Jodhpur and envisioned the creation of unique, hybrid products that could appeal to a wider market. After the factory tour, Mr. Petigara took the members on a tour of a craft museum dedicated to Sadeli craftsmanship. The museum had a stunning range of finished products, including chairs, side tables, mirrors, sofa sets, central tables, and even intricately designed doors, showcasing the remarkable detailing and artistry of Sadeli craft. Mr. Petigara emphasized the importance of Thar Dhat Handicrafts Society creating a similar museum for their crafts. He suggested that having a dedicated space to display their work would enable potential buyers to see and appreciate their entire range of products in one place, thereby promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of their craft. Inspired by this idea, the team arrived with a new purpose and became keen to explore the possibilities of creating their own crafts museum to showcase the rich heritage and craftsmanship of their society.
Day 2 – 10/08/2024, at Ahmedabad
On the second day of their exposure visit to Gujarat, a team of four members from the Thar dhat Handicrafts Society (TDHS) had the opportunity to engage with two prominent industry associations in Ahmedabad, gaining valuable insights into their operations and management practices. The team’s first stop was the Naroda Industries Association (NIA), an established entity that has been operational since 1967. With over 1200 members from various industries, NIA is a significant player in the industrial landscape of Ahmedabad. The TDHS members were keen to understand the factors that contribute to the successful running of such an association, and their visit to NIA provided crucial learning points. One of the primary takeaways for the team was the importance of having a large and active membership base, which ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of the association. They observed firsthand how NIA operates, including its management of key facilities such as a hospital and a chemical treatment plant. These facilities underscore the association’s commitment to the welfare of its members and the surrounding community, demonstrating a model of holistic industry association management that goes beyond mere business concerns. The next stop for the TDHS team was the Ahmedabad Timber Merchants Association, a visit that was particularly relevant to their interests in wood craftsmanship and related industries. Here, the team delved deeper into the nuances of the timber trade, engaging in detailed discussions with the association’s office bearers. These discussions provided the TDHS members with a broader understanding of wood-related challenges, including issues of sourcing, sustainability, and market dynamics. The exchange of knowledge with the Ahmedabad Timber Merchants Association was invaluable, as it offered practical insights that could be applied to their work within the Thar dhat Handicrafts Society. Overall, the second day of the exposure visit was marked by rich learning experiences that equipped the TDHS members with new perspectives on managing industry associations and deepened their understanding of the wood industry.
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