Says Madhvi Kuckreja, the driving force behind this unique effort to promote traditional crafts and ensure the middleman is removed from the buyer-craftsperson interaction, “I’ve been extremely ambitious. We wanted to do something different this year and despite not having any sponsors, we have gone ahead and are holding the bazaar on a grand scale this year, complete with puppet shows and a food corner with Nirula’s, kebab-parathas and biryani, chaat and corn stalls etc. I feel its the ambience that counts and are trying hard to create that— while those that support our cause can always buy from the shoppe, the interaction is much more real at such a venue. The easy approach, the hands-on experience where one gets to see how the article is created and the realisation that their rupee is going straight to the craftsperson becomes a very involving experience.”

So what all can we expect to see at the bazaar vis a vis crafts?

“You’ll find Dastkar Andhra with their unique cotton Jamavars, Karm Marg evolved amongst a group of children living on the platform of New Delhi Railway Station with their products, from the Kumaon Grameen Udyog come woollens, preserves and other products like Apricot oil, the Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan have come with their unique embroidery traditions and leather products. Among the others are the Urmul Marusthali Bunkar Vikas Samiti,the Vasundhara Gramothan Samiti ,Urmul Seemant with their Bajju embroidery, SEVA Mandir, Berozgar Mahila Samiti, the Pan Himalayan Grassroot Development Foundation, Harmada Leather Association and Manushi and Sheela Negi a non-profit society promoting ethnic weaving, jewellery and wool products, proceeds of which are used for the welfare of weavers working in their homes.

Sanatkada had a humble beginning in August 2006 with four partners joining hands to promote the cause of crafts and craftspeople in the state capital. While the rest have withdrawn for personal reasons, Madhvi continues to labour on in her effort, keeping the ideals of the mission alive. “It’s not a profit-making venture for me, I have a deep emotional bond with the craftspeople now and the feel good factor of the entire endeavour has become the main driving force behind it. There’s no looking back for me,” she avers.