HYDERABAD: The crafts council of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (CCAPT) and Textile Revivalist, Gaurang Shah conducted a fund raising event, Kausalyam that showcased a journey of crafts, textiles and jewellery. The event got big support from well-known celebrities and Indian heritage admirers. The show was held at the Chowmahalla Palace on Sunday evening and was high on culture and heritage textiles display.
Talking about the event, Gaurang Shah, said, “The aim of the event was to raise funds for the upliftment of the artisans, arts and crafts of the country initiated by Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh. The entire proceeds of the show held at Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad will be given for this cause.”
A much detailed process has gone into conducting the event. “It took us over four months to conceptualise and bring the 48 creations, which we showcased into reality. It was challenging as we wanted to ensure that each of the designs reflect our traditions, culture and colour. Our effort was also to show that Indian textiles especially the saris, are not just meant for special occasions but women can also wear them casually, for instance, to office. Most importantly they are environment friendly,” explained Gaurang, who has always been an ardent admirer of Indian Heritage, crafts and weaves. “I believe our weave creations have immense potential to become a dominant fashion statement globally. So, when crafts council came up with the idea of this fund raising event, I had no hesitation to say yes,” he added.
The designer points out that there has been a tremendous admiration for traditional handwoven outfits and saris in India in recent years. “Today, you find many designers introducing handlooms in their own ways in fashion shows and creations they launch. This itself gives the arts a big boost as the artisans gain confidence that their crafts can draw admiration from the new age fashionistas and art enthusiasts,” he said.
Craft Council of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh showcased a curated line of specially developed handicrafts, while Gaurang hand-weaves put on display, a line of master-piece saris.
Sanjay of Tibarumal’s brought together a line of heritage jewels.
“It was an opportunity to showcase the finest handwoven craft we have in our country along with different dimensions of our ancient textiles, textures. Kausalyam is an effort to preserve our traditions in weaves, crafts and promote the growth of artisan in our country,” further explained Gaurang who is also well known revival of Jamdani weaves in khadi, uppada, paithani, kanjeevaram, patan patola and benarasi. He works with over 500 weavers in the country.
The event also saw live Hindustani classical rendition by Shubha Mudgal the highlight of Kausalyam.
Sufi-kathak artist Manjari Chaturvedi, who hails from UP, said, “It gives me immense satisfaction and pride to be part of this cause by Gaurang who promotes and supports Chikankari and Benarasi weavers in a big way through his creations, is organising this event as a fund raiser for the artisans.”
This fund-raising event found big support of celebrities- Kirron Kher, Sridevi, Boney Kapoor, Jaishree Burman, Paresh Maithy and Vaikuntam.
The Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (CCAPT) is a voluntary, non-profit organisation, founded in 1987, as an affiliate of the Crafts Council of India, and a member of the World Crafts Council.