Rural women get a platform to showcase talent

Mumbai-based ERA for women, an all-women NGO, in association with the Maharashtra chamber of commerce, industry and agriculture (MACCIA) is hosting a ‘Women’s art, craft and food festival’ at Urban Haat, in CBD Belapur from October 28 to November 1.

The festival was inaugurated on Wednesday evening by Amruta Fadnavis – deputy vice president at Axis Bank and wife of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, actress Sonali Kulkarni and social worker Varsha Tawade.

The grand five-day festival being hosted for the first-time in Navi Mumbai showcases the art of weaving and rural artists from all over India.

Around 150 women artisans

Amruta Fadnavis inaugurates the festival at Urban Haat, CBD Belapur, on Wednesday.

are participating in the event.

The event aims to connect directly to the local artisans

and manufacturers of rural art and craft.

Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis said, “It is

great to be amongst such women who have proved themselves. My husband too is always keen to promote women in all fields and this is a great place to be.”

“This is an excellent platform for women to show their talent. I am overwhelmed by what I have seen and am going to make a lot of purchases,” said Kulkarni.

Rupali Madan, founder of ERA said, “Our NGO aims to revive the ancient local art by blending contemporary and modern art.”

She explained, “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-itskind initiative for masses to connect directly to the local artisans, manufacturers and wholesalers of ancient, rural art and craft from all over the country.”

BACHCHAN KUMAR