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INTACH Organizes One-Day Traditional Basket Weaving Workshop for Rural School Children

By Editor

Posted on August 27, 2025

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INTACH Organizes One-Day Traditional Basket Weaving Workshop for Rural School Children

Mangaluru : The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with HECS-INTACH and the INTACH Heritage Club of Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, organized a one-day workshop on traditional basket weaving for rural school children on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, Bantwal Taluk.

Resource persons Shankar Koraga Gutthakadu (traditional craftsman) and Supriya (community educator) conducted the practical training through live demonstrations of basket weaving. A total of 67 students from seven schools in the Manchi cluster actively participated, working in groups and engaging enthusiastically in the creative process. Under the guidance of the experts, the children learned each step carefully and worked towards crafting beautiful creations.

Addressing the gathering, Subhash Chandra Basu, Convener of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, said there is a pressing need to preserve and propagate traditional arts that have been nurtured for generations. “We must identify skilled artisans from society’s grassroots and create opportunities for them,” he observed, adding that such efforts would help increase global demand for their crafts.

Chief guest Mrs. Devaki H., alumna and retired headmistress of Manchi-Kolnadu High School, remarked that skill-based training programs for rural school children can open avenues for livelihood. “Programs that enhance hand skills not only build confidence among students but also play an important role in preserving traditional crafts,” she said.

Speaking on the occasion, School Betterment Committee President, Shivashankar Rao Manchi, said that training and guidance from capable resource persons stimulate creativity and self-expression among students. “Such extracurricular activities not only nurture intellectual growth but also contribute to the overall development of personality,” he noted.

Among those present were Ramaprasad Rai Tiruvashe, President of the Alumni Association of Manchi-Kolnadu High School, INTACH Mangaluru Chapter coordinators Rajendra Kedige, Harish Kodialbail, Reshma Shetty, Sharvani Bhat and faculty members of the host school. Copies of ‘Young INTACH’ Heritage Club Newsletter were distributed to all the schools. Artist and INTACH Heritage Club Coordinator of Manchi-Kolnadu School, Taranath Kairangala, welcomed the gathering and conducted the program. Headmistress Mrs. Sushila delivered the vote of thanks.

About the Workshop

INTACH has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the preservation of traditional utilitarian crafts that are on the verge of extinction. Its mission is to safeguard indigenous skills and pass them on to future generations. Basket weaving, an ancient craft practiced by tribal and rural communities, is among these endangered traditions. INTACH organized the basket weaving workshop at Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, Bantwal Taluk to introduce students to this art form.

The participating schools were Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu; Noojibailu Aided Higher Primary School, Manchi; Government Higher Primary School, Kukkaje; Government Higher Primary School, Monthimaru; Government Higher Primary School, Puddottu; Government Higher Primary School, Ira; and Government Higher Primary School, Kadumata.