Dinesh Kamath's news 'ERA for women to take the hard work of the local artisans at an International Level' that was published in Newsband

ERA for women to take the hard work of the local artisans at an International Level

By Dinesh Kamath and Chandrashekhar Hendve

Above Picture: Era for Woman Team

Above Picture: Meena Naik, puppet artist giving a demo at Press Conference

NAVI MUMBAI: Indian artisans are the boon for the country. These skilled hands have the urge to showcase their works so as to reach their truest value and worth. Mumbai-based, ERA for women, an all women NGO aims to revive the ancient local art by blending contemporary and modern art. The organization has organized a mega event at CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai from 28 October to 1 November’15. The key features of the event are to showcase the art of weaving by the rural artists from all over India who will be demonstrating the art in its actual form. Around 150 Women Artisans will be participating in the event.

“It is a sincere attempt to create social and national integration by showcasing the art and craft of rural artisans, especially underprivileged women. This is a one-of-its-kind initiative for masses to connect directly to the local artisans, manufacturers and wholesalers of ancient, rural art and craft from all over the country. The event is presented in association with Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture. ERA for women believes in learn and earn concept and therefore invites young and old alike to participate, learn the art and earn through this medium. ERA for women plans to take the hard work of the local artisans at an International Level”, explained Rupali Madan, Founder, ERA for women, during the press conference organized at Nerul Gymkhana on 20 October 2015. “MACCIA is the only Chamber in Maharashtra, which has deep roots in all 35 districts encompassing 355 Talukas of Maharashtra. The Ladies Wing of MACCIA wishes to encourage and support skilled women artisans from various parts of Maharashtra through this collaboration in Navi Mumbai”, shares MACCIA’s Women Entrepreneurs Wing Chairperson, Ms. Shubhangi Tirodkar.

The inaugural ceremony will be held on 28 October at 5 pm in the presence of  Mrs. Amruta Fadnavis – Deputy VP at Axis Bank, Mrs. Pankaja Munde – Minister for Rural Development & Water Conservation, EG Scheme, Women & Child Development, Guardian Minister for Beed & Latur, Mrs. Varsha Tawade – Social Worker and Actress Sonali Kulkarni. The inaugural day will see 15 Women from the Women’s Biker Group titled ‘Bikerni’ who will promote the event in Belapur and beyond on their Bikes. There will also be a grand Welcome with Dhol Tasha performed by Women Group from Nashik and ‘Shakti’, another Kathak and Kalhari fusion art performance by Artist Aarti. Day 2 will see Yoga Performance by Girls and ‘Rasika’- a dance recital. Day 3 will host Archery performance by Thane Group, ‘Aaire Mai’ – Kathak performance on Mother and another spectacular event of Songs on 36 Indian Languages by 60 girls – Kalangan Balswar by Varsha Bhave. Day 4 will witness a Powada performance by Ms. Vinata Joshi. Famous Singer Ms. Vaishali Samant will perform and interact with the audience, also ‘Gajara’ – Zee Award winning group – Performance on Maharashtrian Folk Form and a Program on Social issues by Shreerang group – Including 64 artists and Visually Challenged Artists. Day 5 will host a Malkhamb performance, a Gazal/ Mushayara Performance by Women and a Lions Club Flute/ Yakshagana Program on the last day. All in all the performance will a true celebration of women talent hand-picked by the Era for Women team.