President Pranab Mukherjee presents Shilp Guru Awards, National Awards to master craftspersons

President Pranab Mukherjee on 9 December 2016 presented the Shilp Guru Awards and National Awards to master craftspersons for the year 2015 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The recipient of the award included nine Shilp Gurus and 19 National Awardees.

The awards are given in recognition of excellent craftsmanship and the major role played by them in continuing craft as a vital part of the traditional heritage.

List of Shilp Guru Awardees for the year 2015

List of National Awardees for the year 2015

Speaking on the occasion of the award ceremony, President Mukherjee said that proactive steps are needed to realise the full potential of Indian handicraft sector. Promotion of the same in both domestic and international markets would help in expanding the geographical reach.

As per reports, in the financial year 2015-16, the handicraft exports saw a growth of 16 percent. This growth is an indication that Indian craftsmanship is important in the International market.

The Shilp Guru Award consists of a gold coin and two lakh rupees, a Tamrapatra, an Angavastram and a certificate. On the other hand, the National Awards consist of one lakh rupees, a Tamrapatra, an Angavastram and a certificate.

The Shilp Guru Awards were instituted to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the resurgence of Handicrafts in India on 15 November 2002. On that occasion, the then President Late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam honoured 10 masters of living traditions, responsible for the maintenance of the living cultural heritage of India.

Since then, 117 artisans responsible for maintaining craft traditions have been selected for the award.

The Shilp Guru Awards, National Awards and National Merit Certificate are awarded to a craftsperson only once in a lifetime. They are awarded to encourage master crafts persons to maintain excellence in craftsmanship and keep alive our old tradition.