Sonari Community Center in Jamshedpur hosts Tata Steel Foundation’s exhibition and sale of handcrafted goods, highlighting women artisans’ creativity.
JAMSHEDPUR – The Tata Steel Foundation remains steadfast in their dedication to advancing women craftsmen, ensuring they are not just recognized but also celebrated.
The Foundation hosted an exhibition and sale of handmade goods at the Sonari Community Center in Jamshedpur, which was attended by a 47-year-old businesswoman, Ritu Todi, who appreciated the platform to promote her homemade cosmetic products using only natural organic components.
Preetpal Kaur Sidhu, a 66-year-old professional fashion designer, emphasized the exhibition’s importance, noting how it not only enhances her store but also attracts new clients, offering products ranging from 70 to 500 rupees.
Jhuma Das, a 42-year-old artist, expressed her delight at participating in such a well-organized exhibition, enjoying the visitors’ appreciation of homemade products and fostering connections with other women craftsmen.
Manju Mishra, Senior Manager of Urban Services at TSF, highlighted the support provided by the Foundation in the form of market trends education and extensive training for female craftsmen, promoting their products and helping to enhance local employment opportunities over time.
Jaya Singh Panda, Chief Learning and Development and Diversity Officer at Tata Steel, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of exhibitions in supporting women craftsmen and promoting digital platforms for financial independence, celebrating the women’s extraordinary endurance and drive.
The yearly revenue from the stalls, started in 2014 to empower and expose female craftsmen, has grown to nearly 3 lakh rupees, linking more than 150 women artists over the years.
The three-day festival featured 22 booths decorated with various handcrafted goods such as Terracotta, Dokra art, handmade baskets, purses, textiles, gourmet treats, home décor items, and many creative art products, each reflecting the exceptional creativity and talent of the craftsmen.
The opening ceremony of the festival, which ran from August 11 through August 13, was attended by Tata Steel Foundation’s Keshav Kumar Ranjan, Senior Manager, Jaya Singh Panda, Chief Learning and Development and Diversity Officer, Manju Mishra, Senior Manager of Urban Services, and other distinguished guests.
