UPIDR has conducted design workshops for women weavers & artisans in 35 districts
In pursuance of giving global market exposure to local artisans, Uttar Pradesh Institute of Design and Research (UPIDR) with a sprawling campus equipped with modern classrooms & laboratories has engaged international designers to impart training in product development.
Be it the artisans engaged in wooden toys, a stone carving of Varanasi or pottery of Gorakhpur, tarkashi of Mainpuri, or the glasswork of Firozabad, leather industry of Kanpur or wooden toys of Chitrakoot, all of them have been invited for the training.
According to UPIDR chairperson Kshipra Shukla,”The products are being given a contemporary look under the direction of international designers, thereby giving them exposure to global markets.”
“The institute has extensively been working towards spreading awareness about technology upgrade, quality packaging, and testing among others,” She added.
Taking forward the vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ mantra, the UPIDR has been helping the local women, weavers and artisans, to hone their craft and gain global recognition. The institute has so far conducted design workshops for artisans in 35 districts with an objective to strengthen ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by empowering women.
UPIDR, which was running merely as an educational institution, received the All India Council for Technical Education affiliation in 2019 and recognition from the Board of Technical Education in 2020, making it the first design institute under the Uttar Pradesh government.
“Arti Rana, who lives in Lakhimpur Palia on the Indo-Nepal border, got Moonj embroideries reformed UPIDR designers. It is being marketed well,” Shukla said.
Citing another example, the institute director said, “Wooden toys artisans of Varanasi used to make Ganesha and Kashi sawari… but with the guidance from UPIDR they have now started making handbags. These handbags have gained appreciation from the prime minister.”
