National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad

Gujarat is set to become the learning ground for Bihar.

The state government is set to start programmes at Ahmedabad’s National Institute of Design (NID) to train its artists and craftsmen so that they can market their different art forms better.

This is in pursuit of chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s mantra of “Make Bihar”, taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” appeal.

A industries department delegation, led by minister Bhim Singh, went on a two-day visit to NID, Ahmedabad, on November 17. The members held several interactive sessions with the faculty members and students out of which the decision was taken.

Batches of 15 artisans each will visit NID for the training sessions.

A senior industries official told The Telegraph: “The state has many artisans but not all their art forms are popular. This is because they have not been able to gain expertise in their form. They do know their art form but not very well. As a result, they live in oblivion. The government wants them to grow and excel. A proper routine is being chalked out with NID and they have agreed to train our artisans so that they can become experts. Batches of 15 artisans each would be sent to Ahmedabad for the training. We are looking forward to start the sessions soon.”

NID is among the most renowned design education and research institutes in the country. An autonomous body under the department of industrial policy and promotion, Union ministry of commerce and industry, it is also recognised as a scientific and industrial design research organisation.

The industries official said: “The last visit to NID was very fruitful. We had contacted them earlier too and they had helped us develop the Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusandhan Sansthan, an industries department wing dedicated to artisans. They have been suggesting ways to promote Bihar’s art and craft.”

The official said established artisans from Bihar who specialise in art forms such as tikuli and sikki grass craft would be sent to Ahmedabad to interact with students and faculty members of the design institution.

He added: “The state has many kinds of art and craft forms, including Madhubani paintings famous the world over. Other art forms such as sikki, tikuli, Manjusha art and sujini embroidery also exist but are not in the league of Madhubani paintings. These artisans would be sent to NID to know more about the art forms they specialise in. They would have sessions with the NID students to know how to advertise and market their products better.”

On September 29, Manjhi had spoken about “Make Bihar” under which he invited Bihar-based industrialists settled outside the state to come back, promising them better environment and tax rebates. Manjhi’s announcement came four days after Prime Minister Modi formally launched the “Make in India” campaign.