 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 27: In a bid to preserve and promote the indigenous art of Calico painting, the Institutional Innovation Council of Govt. GLDM Degree College Hiranagar orchestrated a one-day demonstration and training program, backed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Handicrafts, Kathua.
Under the esteemed patronage of Principal Dr. Pragya Khanna, the program aimed to equip students with the intricate techniques of Calico painting, a native art form of the region. Dr. Khanna underscored the significance of preserving local art and handicrafts while urging students to cultivate skill-based knowledge as both a passion and a profession, emphasizing the pivotal role of handicrafts in ensuring sustainable employability.
The training session was facilitated by resource persons from the Department of Handicrafts, Kathua, J&K UT. Sh. Rajeshwer Kumar, Assistant Handicrafts Officer, provided insights into the rich history of Calico painting, highlighting the process of printing vegetable colors using wooden blocks on hand-woven cotton cloths, which are widely sought after for their cool and comfortable properties.
Surinder Kumar, Junior Instructor, led hands-on training sessions, engaging students actively in the art of Calico painting. Mr. Abhinandan Pangotra delved into the origins of Calico painting, elaborating on the intricate designs and vibrant colors characteristic of this art form. He emphasized that Calico painting is among the nine crafts indigenous to J&K.
The seamless execution of the program was spearheaded by Dr. Harvinder Kour, Convener of IIC, with organizational support from Prof. Bindu Sharma, President of IIC. Faculty members including Prof. Poonam Kamotra, Dr. Ram Krishan, Prof. Roopali Jamwal, Prof. Punam Rani, Prof. Neeru Sharma, Prof. Namrata Choudhary, Prof. Ganga Sharma, and Dr. Bharat Bhushan actively participated in the training, further enriching the learning experience for students. The event served as a platform for nurturing creativity, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering practical skills among students, contributing to the broader goal of promoting local art and handicrafts in the region. |
