IIT Kanpur has launched Kala Gram, a design development centre at the Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra to preserve and revitalise traditional crafts through innovation. The Centre will serve as a hub for artisans to explore new materials, techniques, and market trends, fostering collaboration with young designers from top institutions to co-create products, claimed the press release.

Prof. Sandeep Sangal the principal investigator of the project, highlighted the dual objectives of the project that is providing free, high-quality education to children and offering employable skills to rural youth. “In the last three years, we have trained over 1,000 rural youth, and we aim to empower them to set up their production units and become job creators,” he said.

The Centre will initially focus on the pottery of Bithoor, handmade paper from Kalpi, and home furnishings from Kanpur. Rita Singh, Project Executive Officer, stated, “The goal is to rejuvenate these crafts by introducing new design developments, addressing the challenges that artisans face, and bringing fresh appeal to their products.”

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, director of IIT Kanpur, said, “The launch of Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra marks a significant step in empowering traditional artisans. By bringing together IIT Kanpur’s faculty and external experts, we aim to elevate the craftsmanship of rural artisans and create a lasting impact on the value of their products.”

The event also saw the presence of other dignitaries, including Prof Amey Karkare, dean of resources and alumni; Prof Satyaki Roy, head of the department of design; Prof Sudhanshu S Singh, Co-PI’s of the design project; Prof Amarendra K. Singh, PIC Technopark at the Institute; and Prof Kallol Mandal, department of materials science and engineering, among others.