The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), along with Craftroots, has put together a show titled, ‘Shrijan-The Birth of a Craft’, which is a visual representation of the nation’s ancient crafts. This exhibition is currently on at the Innovation Gallery, housed within Textile Gallery II: Tradition and Innovation, at the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Curated by Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI, the exhibition Shrijan – The Birth of a Craft examines India’s ancient craft traditions through a modern perspective. This showcase has been organized by Craftroots of Ahmedabad. It brings together textile, fashion, craft, and art in an evocative narrative. The artisans’ collective, led by Mrs Anar Patel, originated from a skill development program for women from underprivileged communities, aiming to empower them socio-economically while honoring India’s rich craft heritage.
Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) at the Innovation Gallery
This exhibition establishes the gallery’s commitment to celebrating innovation grounded in tradition by highlighting exceptional creations by designers, artisans, and textile artists throughout India.
Ms Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) said, “At the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, our objective is to consistently promote crafts and support artisans across the country. Each region offers its own distinct perspective and tradition, and through ongoing exhibitions at the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy, we aim to provide a platform for these voices. This particular showcase, led by Craftroots and curated by Sunil Sethi of the Fashion Design Council of India, serves as a visual expression of Indian craftsmanship, and we remain committed to highlighting the diversity and skills found in communities across the country.”
Mrs. Anar Patel, founder of Craftroots, Ahmedabad, said,
“The art installations have been painstakingly created to represent how the craft was born, blossomed, experienced the beauty of emotions, and metamorphosed into an avatar of its own story. Every art piece of Shrijan symbolises the idea of life that resonates with the mother’s emotions and happiness, when a child is born. The concept fuels the marks of life defining the force of cosmic energy. All the art installations narrate a tale of modest vision in today’s era. As seen, Shrijan- The Birth of a Craft is a captivating blend of connection and harmony, symbolizing a collective of emotional expressions in various forms.”
Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI and Anar Patel of Craftsroots
Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, said, “Together, the rich cultural significance of India is embedded in its ancient relics, each depicting stories of heritage and craftsmanship. Gujarat, a state brimming with vibrancy and liveliness, pays homage to classic hand embroideries, techniques, and crafts that embody modesty. These art installations visually narrate the intricate labour and love involved in the creation of each piece, reflecting a metamorphic exquisiteness in contemporary form.”
About Craftsroot:
Craftsroot, an initiative by Gramshree, now led by Mrs Anar Patel, connects traditional artisans globally, and works to revive ancient crafts. Craftroots empowers traditional artisans by providing a global platform to showcase their work and preserve age-old art forms. Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Craftroots has grown into a nationwide movement, supporting over 35,000 artisans across 87 crafts and 22 states, in collaboration with 19 NGOs. The initiative is dedicated to uplifting 
underprivileged men and women artisans, helping them build sustainable livelihoods with dignity and pride.
Guided by the values of Revival, Sustenance, and Sharing, Craftsroot works to keep 5,000 years of artisanal brilliance alive—creating a bridge between rural craftsmanship and modern markets, while fostering conscious, ethical consumption.
About FDCI:
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the business of fashion and ensuring its sustainable growth. As a collective of over 400 leading designers, accessory creators, educational institutions, and industry professionals, FDCI serves as the backbone of India’s fashion ecosystem. The council curates a robust calendar of events, including the bi-annual Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, held in New Delhi and Mumbai, India Men’s Weekend and India Couture Week, the nation’s most prestigious showcase of haute couture. Beyond these flagship events, FDCI collaborates with the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, as well as international organizations, to foster opportunities for Indian designers on a global scale.
