Pranab Mukherjee to present Shilp Guru Awards on Friday

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee will present the Shilp Guru Awards and National Awards for Master Craftspersons at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on December 9.

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

The main crafts in which awards have been given are Metal Engraving, Terracotta, Worli Painting, Madhubani Painting, Papier Mache, Punjabi Tilla Juti, Miniature Painting, Gold Leaf Painting, Pichawai painting, Phad Painting, Hand Block Printing, Bone Carving, Sandalwood Carving, Tie and Dye Clay Modelling, Coconut Shell Carving, Lac work, Stone Dust, Patta Chitra Paddy Jewellery & Straw Craft & Maru Embroidery.

The Shilp Guru Awards were launched by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) in 2002 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the resurgence of handicrafts in India.

–IANS