A two day workshop involving clay modelling, pottery and bamboo crafting was
organised by Prerna Cell of NSS IIT Roorkee in collaboration with SPICMACAY,
a social initiative to promote and encourage Indian culture among the youth. India, as
a nation has a rich, classified biodiversity each carrying forward a rich legacy, among
which terracotta art is the most prominent one. The workshop was held during the
noon hours on October 23rd & 24th, 2013 at Prerna Room, IIT Roorkee. The event
was attended by the students under Prerna Cell and also attracted children from
adjoining areas. The major objective behind this workshop was to promote the dying
art form like pottery and bamboo craft among children and encourage them to
preserve this rich heritage from oblivion. The enthusiasm of the attendees was clearly
visible on their faces and equally reflected in their innocent artwork. The artisans,
guiding the children were highly skilled in their profession, which was passed onto
them by their forefathers and were called especially from Dehra Dun. Clay
modelling involved sculpting figurines of Lord Ganesha, birds, animals and humans;
Pottery,incorporated the making of pots, vases & oil lamps or ‘diyas’. The workshop
also focussed on the bamboo art i.e. the art of making objects like wall hangings, mats,
hand fans etc out of bamboo. The zeal by which the student patiently followed the
instructors was remarkable and the desire to learn the art form made the workshop a
great success in itself. The students are hoping for many such workshops to be held in
future.
The event ended on a positive note when Dr. Smita Jha, Program Officer, NSS
IIT Roorkee personally visited each child and praised their artwork masterpieces. All
you need is some clay and bamboo shaft to bring a smile on the faces of the children,
the future of the nation.
