Guwahati: Hunar Haat was recently inaugurated at Guwahati city by CM Dr. HBS on 10^th March 2022 which is to continue for a period of 10 days. It is an initiative under the Ministry of Minority Affairs’s “USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) part.  It was introduced with the aim to build the capacity of master craftsmen/artisans and train of young generation through the master Craftsmen/artisans for traditional arts/crafts. A wide range of products was sold by artisans who had got the platform to display their skills. It shall not be wrong to label it as a classic example of the amalgamation of different cultures as there was a range of handloom products, to pottery items, etc.

It is a reflection of the “Vocal for Local” initiative of the Government. An artisan has to duly register as a part of the process by filling up the application form along with requisite documents. In fact, the National Institute of Fashion Technology is one of its fashion partners and for implementation of the scheme proper Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs) should be implemented such as the FICCI, CII, or even Panchayati Raj Training Institutions.

The funding pattern is artisan/manufacturer friendly, as the 100% Central Sector Scheme shall be implemented directly through the aforementioned PIA’s. For trainees who intend to undertake training programs, from  North-Eastern states, a number of Rs 5,000/-(five thousand) peer trainees would even be awarded for the same.

But why was it important to Assam? It is a fact that participants were mostly from other parts of India. Hunar Haat and lessons for the Axomiya youth Hunar Hat have created quite a buzz in Guwahati over the past few days. Crafts of local artisans have found good buyers, which is a testimony to the fact that traditional skills are still in demand. But, nevertheless, it is a lesson for the Axomiya youth whose numbers have lowered, when it comes to indulging in traditional businesses, involving traditional knowledge.

We can take the example of the silk industry of Sualkuchi, the brass metal industry of Sarthebari or bamboo art of Goalpara side. Due to the low profits and preference of new-age- Axomiya crowd to purchase handmade cheaper materials such as plastic, factory-made cloth, etc instead of handmade items has compelled the Axomiya youth to kind of, cut off its ties. Axomiyas, from privileged households, who are into businesses, have mostly invested in cafes and pubs as seen in Guwahati and those who are not so privileged have indulged in petty businesses or jobs. Persistence and hard work is the key, it was clearly transpired in the case of artisans of hunar hat who came from all over India, be it Chanderi Silk or clay art, etc. There is no problem in starting a cafe or a pub business. It's the 'in thing’, nowadays, but, giving up on our traditional work is not a solution. The Axomiya artisans will have to beef up on their effort and the customers (who can afford it) should purchase goods from them. It has to be a symbiotic relationship.

There was a time when there used to be Axomiya businessmen like Bholanath Borooah (after whom B Borooah college is named). They were not only into profit-making drives, but were also involved in social welfare activities or were natural philanthropists, just like modern-day CSR activities. People (businessmen) could manage everything. Most of the tea Garden business, tenders, and contracts were mostly operated by Axomiya Businessman. In fact, the Barpetia Ojhas were renowned for their business sense and unique tactics (those who know will know).

However, with the advent of time, it is lamentable to see prominent Axomiya Businesses or ventures dwindling or are on the verge of shutting down despite having a Golden phase at one point in time. Every now and then we get to hear of how Business has shut down and the partners are after each other’s life or mudslinging each other publicly.

Hence, these kinds of events are important to make locals aware of the need to work hard round the year and these events are crowd pullers and have to capacity to attract global tourism too which in a way shall be beneficial for the state as well.