FDCI launches Shrijan: A visual representation of the nation's ancient crafts | Art Attack

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) with Craftroots has put together a visual representation of crafts currently on display at the Innovation Gallery, housed within Textile Gallery II: Tradition and Innovation, at the National Crafts Museum and Hastakala Academy, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Titled Shrijan – The Birth of a Craft, the exhibition explores the spirit of India’s ancient craft traditions through a contemporary lens. Craftroots—an initiative founded by  Anar Patel and her board—the showcase brings together textile, fashion, craft, and art in a deeply evocative narrative. An artisans’ collective based in Ahmedabad, that emerged from a skill development programme for women from underprivileged communities, aiming to empower them socio-economically while celebrating India’s rich craft heritage.

Each installation within Shrijan metaphorically narrates the journey of craftsmanship—expressing creation, growth, emotion, and existence. This exhibition has been curated by Sunil Sethi.

Organised by The Fashion Design Council of India ( FDCI ) and Craftroots, this showcase sets the tone for the gallery’s vision of celebrating innovation rooted in tradition by spotlighting extraordinary works from designers, artisans, and textile artists across India.

“At the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, our objective is to consistently promote crafts and support artisans across the country. Each region offers its own distinct perspective and tradition, and through ongoing exhibitions at the National Crafts Museum and Hastakala Academy, we aim to provide a platform for these voices. This particular showcase, led by Craftroots and curated by Sunil Sethi of the Fashion Design Council of India, brings together elements of fashion, craft, art, and culture. It serves as a visual expression of Indian craftsmanship, and we remain committed to highlighting the diversity and skills found in communities across the country,” said  Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (handicrafts).

“The art installations have been painstakingly created to represent how the craft was born, blossomed, experienced the beauty of emotions, and metamorphosed into an avatar of its own story. Every art piece of Shrijan symbolises the idea of life that resonates with the mother’s emotions and happiness, When a child is born. The concept fuels the marks of life defining the force of cosmic energy. All the art installations narrate a tale of modest vision in today’s era. As seen, Shrijan- The Birth of a Craft is a captivating blend of connection and harmony, symbolizing a collective of emotional expressions in various forms,” said Smt. Anar Patel, founder of Craftroots, Ahmedabad.

“Together, the rich cultural significance of India is embedded in its ancient relics, each depicting stories of heritage and craftsmanship. Gujarat, a state brimming with vibrancy and liveliness, pays homage to classic hand embroideries, techniques, and crafts that embody modesty. These art installations visually narrate the intricate labour and love involved in the creation of each piece, reflecting a metamorphic exquisiteness in contemporary form,” said Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI.

Every art piece in Shrijan embodies the inception of life, symbolising the journey of Indian crafts from conception to creation. The Birth of a Craft is a seductive tapestry of integration and unity, serving as a metaphor for an entourage of emotional expressions in every form.

About Craftsroot:

Craftsroot is a heartfelt tribute to India’s timeless craft traditions, created by Smt. Anar Patel. As a fair trade initiative by Gramshree, Craftroots empowers traditional artisans by providing a global platform to showcase their work and preserve age-old art forms.

Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Craftroots has grown into a nationwide movement, supporting over 35,000 artisans across 87 crafts and 22 states, in collaboration with 19 NGOs. The initiative is dedicated to uplifting underprivileged men and women artisans, helping them build sustainable livelihoods with dignity and pride.
Guided by the values of Revival, Sustenance, and Sharing, Craftsroot works to keep 5,000 years of artisanal brilliance alive—creating a bridge between rural craftsmanship and modern markets, while fostering conscious, ethical consumption.