- Exhibition organized under Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana
Under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, five traditional artisans from Madhya Pradesh are participating in the Crafts and Handicrafts Exhibition being organised at Dilli Haat, New Delhi till January 31, 2026. This participation is sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India and is being coordinated by the State Nodal Department, Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts, Bhopal.
These five artisans, selected from Madhya Pradesh, represent the state’s vibrant and rich craft traditions. Their products include traditional leather toys from Indore, wooden toys from Sehore, traditional wood-carved sculptures, Dokra (bell metal) art from Betul, and leather apparel and accessories. All these crafts reflect generations of traditional skills, cultural heritage, and regional identity.
- Brief introduction of the artisans
Mr. Jitendra, a Dokra (bell metal) artisan from Betul (MP), has been involved with this traditional hand-cast metal craft for generations with his family. His works reflect the traditional craftsmanship rooted in local culture. Through the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, his crafts are gaining national recognition and improved marketing opportunities.
Mr. Kedarnath Sahu is a traditional wood craftsman from Shahdol district. His work combines traditional craftsmanship with a modern design approach, resulting in attractive and contemporary wood art pieces. The scheme is providing him with wider market access and new opportunities.
Mr. Prakash is a traditional toymaker who creates uniquely styled leather-like toys. These toys are made from cruelty-free materials, while preserving traditional techniques, details, and finishes. His perseverance and dedication, despite his disability, is inspiring. The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana is providing a wider market and recognition for his products.
Mr. Vinod Kumar Sharma and Mrs. Savita Sharma are traditional wooden toy makers from Sehore district. Wooden toys are the ODOP (One District One Product) of Sehore district. Their simple shapes, bright colors, and time-tested manufacturing methods appeal to both children and adults. The scheme is providing them with a wider marketing platform.
Mr. Sunny Swami, a cobbler from Indore, began his career traditionally making leather shoes. He currently manufactures leather apparel and accessories, including jackets, laptop sleeves, handbags, and clutches. He received a loan of ₹1 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, which enabled him to expand his business. With marketing support from the scheme, he is reaching new markets.
Through the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, these artisans are not only getting the opportunity to showcase at the national level, but are also getting important support towards direct marketing, market linkages and livelihood strengthening.