Out of 20 projects submitted, Anshara Tahareen of Class 7 had her project selected. We are sharing her original handwritten submission as it is. It may contain spelling or grammatical errors. We kindly request readers to consider her age and maturity, and not to judge her work harshly — she has miles to go and a bright journey ahead.
Project Submitted By : Anshara Tahareen of 7th B
Topic of the project:
“As the world becomes more tech-driven, what is happening to traditional handicrafts that once shaped our culture, identity, and livelihoods?”
Explore how rapid technological growth is affecting:
- The survival of traditional skills and crafts
- The cultural value and identity of handmade art
- The livelihood of artisans and craftspeople
- The environmental differences between mass production and handcrafted goods
Then, reflect on:
- Why should we care about preserving these crafts?
- What can be done to support artisans, revive traditional skills, and create space for them in today’s digital world?”
Initial Understanding of Topic:
Handicrafts means handmade things. It means hand made things and in this generation hand made things were decreasing becauase of the machines.
But also in this generation also hand made things were there but only in villages because they don’t want to use this type of machines that make them lazy. They want to do hard work.
Later Understanding:
Handicrafts products that are made by hand or by using simple tools. These crafts represent the culture, tradition and artistic expression of a region. Each handmade item is unique showcasing the skills and also creativity of artisan.
The items are that they use for crafts woodwork, metal work etc. Handicrafts are a significant part of the world’s culture and these handicrafts were mostly used by business man for decorating their houses. While they add beauty to home, at times they are not affordable.
Handicrafts are not only a business activity but also help us to be in peace. Many doctors and psychological experts have found this because in this generation, there are many people who are suffering from trauma and depression. Doctors are advising patients to participate in creation of handicrafts so that they put their mind at peace.
Handicrafts are the oldest forms of human long before machines and factories existed. People created useful and decorative items by hand and natural materials like clay, wood and stone. They made many items ranging from pottery to jewellery.
In this generation plastics and machine made products are causing harm to the environment. Most handicrafts are either natural or recycled material and they dont have harmful materials in them. Example : Bamboo Basket, Jute Bags. If we support handicrafts, we are also protecting an industry, our mother nature and reducing carbon foot prints as well.
Surprise Finding:
In India there are also handicrafts festivals.
- Diwali: Clay diyas and rangoli powder are highly in demand.
- Durga Puja in Bengal: Create huge clay idols of goddess.
- Pongal and Makar Sankranthi: Beautiful kolam and decorated pots are used.
- Weddings: Showcase crafts like jewellery and traditional pottery are used.
These are some of the handcraft celebrations in our country.
India is one of the world’s largest producer of handicrafts. Handicrafts are also one of the India’s major exports like Shawls, Carpets, handloom fabrics. These items are popular in US and Europe.
This industry is not about art. It is about culture. From cave paintings to global exports, handicrafts have travelled a long journey. Today handicrafts are not just cultural products but also symbols of heritage and creativity that connect the past with the future.
How can we help handicrafts in digital days:
I believe by setting up online portals or by joining online marketplaces like Amazon or by using social media like Instagram, Youtube and Facebook we can have a positive influence on the market. They can share posts and products to increase reachability to consumers.
Schools and cultural program groups can hold exhibitions where people can buy hand made things.
Sharing vlogs, tutorials and documentaries about handicrafts will keep this generation aware and interested.
