Mumbai, February 10, 2025 : HäriT Eco-friendly Initiative under HünaR Skill Development Centre of HSNC University, Mumbai in collaboration with Tisser Artisans Trust, organised the groundbreaking C4-Crafting
Creative Change Conclave, a celebration of the fusion of creativity, sustainability and social responsibility. The Conclave focused on
driving creative change through crafts, sustainability and social entrepreneurship, bringing together thought
leaders, innovators, policymakers, academia, investors, industry pioneers,
patrons
and changemakers to explore new ways of
creating a positive transformation.
The inaugural session of the Conclave was graced by prominent dignitaries including Dr.
Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University; Smt. Roop Rashi
Mahapatra (IAS), Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of
India; Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University; H.E.
Adolfo Garcia Estrada, Consul General of Mexico, Mexican Consulate; Dr.
Megha Phansalkar, Founder & Chairperson, Tisser Artisans Trust and Ms. Akruti Bagwe, Director-Operations,
World Trade Center.
The Conclave marked the launch of several impactful
initiatives, including:
- Logo of HünaR Skill Development Centre of HSNC
University: HünaR Skill Development Centre aims to empower
artisans, women and
specially-abled individuals through skill-building programs.
- Logo of HäriT Eco-friendly Initiative of HSNC University:
HäriT Eco-friendly Initiative aims to promote sustainable practices for a greener
future.
- R.A.N.G: Reviving Art, Nurturing Generations: A project
dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional crafts.
- Sustainable DIY Kits Inspired by Indian Arts & Crafts:
Encouraging eco-conscious creativity and learning.
Inaugural Remarks & Call for Action
In her opening remarks, Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla
passionately emphasised the urgent need to preserve
and promote traditional artisan techniques. Highlighting the importance of
immediate action over discussion, she urged the attendees to move from talking
about challenges to taking concrete steps towards solutions. She specifically
called attention to the pressing global challenges of waste management,
environmental degradation and the erosion
of traditional craftsmanship. She highlighted the HünaR Skill Development Centre as a key initiative to empower specially-abled
individuals with essential skills, vocational training and certifications to foster self-reliance. She also announced the launch of a three-month summit
titled 'Crafting Futures'.
Dr. Bagla concluded her address by invoking the
principle of UBUNTU—“I am because we are,” stressing the interconnectedness of
humanity and the power of community.
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, in his keynote
address, expressed his strong belief in the importance of supporting artisans
as custodians of India’s rich cultural heritage. He emphasised that artisans’ skills not only preserve traditional
craftsmanship but also offer sustainable livelihoods. Reflecting on the
formation of HSNC University, he spoke about the University being the first State University in
Maharashtra to be entrusted to the private sector for management, commending
Dr. Bagla for her visionary leadership.
Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra’s Insightful Address
Guest of Honour Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra shared key statistics that highlight the immense
potential of India’s textiles, handicrafts and artisan industry. She cited projections indicating
that the Indian textile market is expected to reach US$350 billion by 2030,
with exports touching US$100 billion. The integrated "5Fs" model (Farm
to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Forest) positions India’s textile industry as
a global leader in sustainable fashion. Smt. Mahapatra also discussed the Kasturi
Cotton initiative, launched by the Government of India to enhance the
global perception of Indian cotton.
Global Recognition and the Need for Collaboration
H.E. Adolfo Garcia Estrada, Consul General of Mexico, lauded the Conclave, noting that it presented a rare
opportunity for investors, craft-led enterprises and industry leaders to collaborate and reshape the
future of India’s $1 trillion handicraft industry. “C4 aims to redefine the
future of handicrafts by facilitating dialogue and partnerships,” he said.
The Need for Craft Revival and Consumer Awareness
Dr. Megha Phansalkar, Founder & Chairperson of
Tisser Artisans Trust, spoke about
the urgent need to revive consumers’ interest in crafts and make them relevant
to urban lifestyles. She emphasised the
importance of sensitising the
emerging middle class to the history and value of crafts in India, urging
stakeholders to work together to create a robust domestic market.
Panel on Empowerment through Circularity and Creativity
The second session featured a panel on circularity and
creativity, exploring the transformative potential of crafts, sustainability and the role of social enterprises in driving both
economic and social impact.
Dr. Abhishek Lakhtaria, CEO of Adani Foundation, shared a powerful story of empowerment from Gujarat.
He highlighted how a young girl, who received a cow as a wedding gift,
transformed her life with the support of the Foundation, growing her business
from one cow to 70, with annual revenues exceeding Rs1 crore.
Changemaker Spotlight: Mrs. Swati Mohite
The Conclave also showcased the inspiring story of Mrs.
Swati Mohite, co-founder of AAI Day Care Sanstha. Motivated by her
daughter’s diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy 30 years ago, she created a better world for her child and others like
her. After completing her B.Ed, she founded the AAI Day Care Centre, which today provides care and skill
training to differently-abled individuals.
The center teaches valuable skills such as making paper bags, sari covers,
agarbattis, rakhis
and diyas.
MAVIM’s Impact and Women Empowerment
Mr. Mahendra Gamare, General Manager of Mahila Arthik
Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), shared that
MAVIM’s self-help group (SHG) movement has reached over 20 lakh women in
Maharashtra. MAVIM’s work, recognised by
the International Labour Organisation, is seen
as a model for other states and has helped create financial independence and
social mobility for women across the region.
Addressing the Challenges of Intellectual Disabilities
Ms. Archana Chandra, CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with
intellectual disabilities (ID), who are often invisible in society. She
stressed the importance of providing opportunities for these individuals to
find purpose and contribute to society through talent and skill development.
Fashion for Change: Repurposing Threads
The Conclave featured a fashion show titled ‘Bargaah’,
which beautifully showcased how craftsmanship can meet sustainability. The
show, presented by HSNC University students, featured five vibrant collections:
- Daivya Yog (eco-conscious Khadi garments from
Tisser’s Kasturba Solar Khadi Centre in Amravati)
- Navsrijan (made from upcycled plastic and T-shirt
remnants)
- Kunbi Katha (homage to Goan heritage with
vibrant patterns)
- Indradhanush (inspired by Pochampally Ikat,
honouring Telangana’s heritage)
- Dastakaari (sustainable denim collection, a
result of the Waste to Wealth initiative)
Each piece was a fusion of heritage, sustainability and modern design, offering a glimpse into the future of
sustainable fashion.
Exhibition: Threads of Transformation
The Conclave concluded with
an exhibition titled ‘Threads of Transformation’, showcasing curated artisan
products, handlooms and handicrafts. These
high-demand products were sold out quickly, reflecting the growing consumer
interest in sustainable and ethically-made goods.
The C4-Crafting Creative Change Conclave was an
inspiring and thought-provoking event, shedding light on the importance of
sustainability, empowering communities and
embracing creativity to address the challenges of the modern world.
About HSNC University
Hyderabad
Sind National Collegiate University (HSNC University), Mumbai, a State
Public University is recognised by the University Grants Commission
(UGC) with Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan as its Chancellor; eminent industrialist, Dr.
Niranjan Hiranandani as its Provost and Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla as its
Vice Chancellor. HSNC
University, Mumbai comprises renowned Mumbai colleges such as Hassaram Rijhumal College of Commerce &
Economics (H.R.
College) as its lead college with Kishinchand Chellaram College of Arts,
Science & Commerce (K.C College) and Bombay Teachers’ Training College (BTTC)
amongst its constituent colleges.
With over 12,390 students
enrolled
currently, HSNC University has significantly enhanced its academic portfolio in
just five
years while launching seven
schools:
Niranjan
Hiranandani School of Management & Real Estate (NHSMRE); D.M. Harish School
of Law (DMHSL); Chellaram School
of Yoga & Wellness (CSYOW); School of Applied Sciences (SAS); School of
Performing Arts (SOPA); School of Humanities & Social Science (SHSS) & School of
Interdisciplinary Studies (SIS). HSNC University, Mumbai has a rich, industry-synced
curriculum with futuristic teaching methods and is set to build partnerships with the
industry.
About Tisser Artisans Trust
Tisser Artisans Trust is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women and artisans, preserving traditional crafts and promoting sustainable livelihoods.Tisser works with
artisans from across India, helping them build their skills and scale their
businesses while championing ethical and eco-friendly practices. Tisser has a
network of more than 10,000 artisans, groups, and SHGs across South Asia.
Working in more than 200 art forms, Tisser generates livelihoods for 100+ rural
clusters in 18 States of India with over 1,0000 products made using traditional
and cultural art forms.
For more information, visit www.hsncu.edu.in or www.tisser.in
Contact Information:
Press Relations- Ms. Maya M
PR Head
HSNC University, Mumbai
Email:
maya.m@hsncu.edu.in
Phone: +91- 8655962503/ 04