Indian Crafts in a Globalizing World- Proceedings of the 2005 Conference on Indian Crafts: The Future in a Globalizing World

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We at the National Institute of Design take great pleasure at publishing a compendium of papers presented at the seminar on "Indian Crafts: The Future in a Globalizing World". At the National Institute of Design (NID), many projects and studies have been focussed upon capturing rich experiences from the craft sector as well as documenting these practices. India has a diversity of cultures. This heterogeneity makes the country vibrant and come alive. Handicrafts contribute to a great extent in fostering this heterogeneity as well as in retaining traditional Indian cultural ethos as opposed to mass produced goods which are rootless.

In this context, it is important that the interests of the rural artisans be safeguarded against market forces through strategic design and management interventions. At the same time, it is important to equip them to meet the new challenges posed by globalization. The seminar on "Indian Crafts: The Future in a Globalizing World" was an attempt to provide insights and document emerging concerns to revitalize traditional craft for sustainable development holistically.

The seminar voiced the issues faced by the artisans trying to cope with the global winds of change. It focused on their present economic condition, the challenges they faced with growing urbanization, the ways and means to make their work meaningful and to improve the quality of life for these artisans.

Several craftspersons, designers, NGOs, official government and semi-government bodies and academicians joined hands to bring this cause to the fore. Integrating the tacit knowledge of craftspeople into such seminars provides immense understanding and deep insight to young students of design allowing them to take these insights forward in designing and diversifying products which address today's needs. Such products have a base/root in tradition and help in inclusive growth by giving respect to our heritage and culture.

Our traditional knowledge and understanding of materials is our unique strategic advantage on a global platform. Utmost attention is required to bring it to the forefront for making it more contextual. Leveraging this traditional knowledge will position 'Brand India' as a global leader in design.