Sushant School of Design, Ansal University, Gurgaon, a private university with strong international collaborations dedicated to providing advanced trans-disciplinary education, is hosting a two-day Ajrakh designing and printing workshop.
The workshop is an endeavor to promote the use and knowledge of the craft of Ajrakh dyeing and printing, a traditional textile craft practiced by the Khatri community of Kutch, Gujarat. Dr Ismail Khatri, a master craftsman, will conduct the workshop.
According to Prof. Mike Knowles, Dean, Sushant School of Design, "This is a great opportunity for the students to learn from a master of Ajrakh, as it will give them deeper insight and knowledge about different cultures and their traditions. At Sushant School of Design we want to provide our students with the best of modern education as well as introduce them to our legacy and connect them to our roots. With the recent increase in global demand for Indian designs and with our designers proving their calibre in international markets, these art forms provide immense opportunities in the coming future."
Speaking about the workshop Dr. Ismail Khatri said, "I am honored to be part of this workshop and would like to thank Sushant School of Design for giving me this opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with the coming generation of designers. Through these workshops, students not only get to know about designing and printing techniques of traditional forms but they also carry forward the rich heritage of our nation."
Professor Promil Pande from Sushant School of Design, who masterminded the workshop said, "In today's time the Indian traditional art forms are losing their relevance and the main cause is unavailability of the techniques and knowledge. Therefore we endeavor to familiarize our students with such art forms and Ajrakh workshop is one step in that direction. We hope to encourage our students to use these art forms more and more in their works."
During the workshop, students will get trained in the skill process using natural dyes in complex geometric designs that are printed onto fabric with the help of wooden blocks. Traditional Ajrakh printing continues to thrive in craft villages such as Ajrakhpur and Dhamadka in Gujarat.
The workshop is open to anyone interested in Indian crafts and its significance. A few talented students from Noida Deaf Society and the NGO Asha will also be sponsored by the university to participate in the workshop.
