An India-Kyrgyzstan joint exhibition entitled “Colours and Weaves in Central Asia” on Indian textiles and handicrafts, is being organized by Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India through Export Promotion Council for handicrafts in coordination with Embassy of India in Bishkek and Government of Kyrgyzstan Resource Centre in Kyrgyzstan of Central Asian Crafts Support Association (CACSARC – kg). The exhibition will be held from 13 – 24 June, 2019.
Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH informed that Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from 13-14 June, 2019 to attend the SCO meeting and on the side-lines of Prime Minister’s visit to SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, this exhibition is being organized. He further informed, that the exhibition was inaugurated on 14th June, 2019 by Zhamankulov Azamat Kaparovich, Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic and Alok Amitabh Dimri, Ambassador of India in Kyrgyz Republic in the presence of Ratnesh Kumar Jha, Additional Development Commissioner [Handicrafts] and Santosh Kumar Singh, Additional Development Commissioner, Handlooms representing Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.
While inaugurating the exhibition, Zhamankulov Azamat Kaparovich, Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic appreciated the display by both Indian and Kyrgyz side and said that this initiative will bring the people of the two countries closer and give the opportunity to his Government to understand the institutional support offered by the Indian side to its craftpersons for promotion and development of crafts in India.
His Excellency, Alok Amitabh Dimri, Ambassador of India speaking on the occasion said the master pieces on display in khadi, Chintz, Brocade, Embroidery, Ikat and handicrafts artefacts from India will help in exchanging ideas and add to better understanding of each other’s arts and crafts. He further said, “It is a confluence of two cultures traditions, arts and crafts and it gives opportunity to the artisans on both sides to share their experience and expertise and incorporate designs patterns and motifs in each other textiles and crafts.
Ratnesh Kumar Jha, ADC Handicrafts, while speaking said, “The Exhibition is showcasing Indian handwoven textiles and beautiful products of India’s handicraft artisans along with an equally beautiful Kyrgyz textiles and handicrafts products and provided a unique showcase for learning and sharing commonalities of the two countries. He further said, “it also a provided platform for local people to understand and appreciate the beauty of Indian arts, crafts and traditions.”
Santosh Kumar Singh, ADC Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India informed that two Master Craftspersons have been deputed by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India for live demonstration of Madhubani craft and Lehariya tie & Dye textiles to create awareness about range of traditional Indian handicrafts and make links for sourcing the products through the contacts during the exhibition.
Kumar, DG – EPCH further said the exhibition is showcasing the best of Indian ethnic textiles (handlooms) and handicraft items depicting Indian traditions, patterns, colours, motifs and designs through a range of carefully selected handlooms and handicraft items. The textile items alongwith handicrafts products such as elephant on wheel, wooden lion, bullock cart, statue of Lord Krishna, stoles including Kyrgyz exhibits such as Shyrdak carpets, traditional motifs, felt textiles along with Live demonstrations by the Indian and Kyrgyz artisans is generating keen interest and excitement amongst visitors.
India’s exports to Kyrgyzstan was $28.59 mn in 2017-18 whereas Kyrgyz exports to India was $30.94 mn. Exports of handicrafts from India to Kyrgyzstan is $0.09 mn only. Apparel and clothing, leather goods, drugs & pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and tea are some of the important items of our export basket to Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz exports to India consist of raw hides, ores & metal scrap etc.
