Shahin Bepari Lambe
Panaji
Umakant Tukaram Poke, a sculptor from Pernem, and Rajesh Rama Kalangutkar, a coir weaver, are representing Goa at a national-level exhibition being held from January 16 to January 31. For both artisans, the event is more than a marketplace, as it offers a rare opportunity to present their life’s work to a national
audience.
The exhibition is organised under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
It brings together artisans from across the country, each carrying their local traditions, skills and stories. The aim is to provide these skilled workers with a platform to sell their products, understand the market demand and learn from fellow craftsmen.
The journey to Delhi began in Goa, where the MSME-Development and Facilitation Office (DFO), Margao, along with the
Department of Textiles, Handicrafts and Coir shortlisted eight artisans based on the design, quality, appearance and market value of their products. From this group, Poke and Kalangutkar were selected to represent the state.
The Ministry covered their travel, stay, food and courier charges to transport their handmade products to Delhi. Additional assistance was provided in packaging through the Indian Institute of Packaging, ensuring that the products met market standards.
To help them reach buyers beyond the exhibition, the artisans were also onboarded on the e-commerce platform Amazon. This step is expected to open new opportunities by allowing their work to reach customers across the country even after the exhibition concludes.
Poke said, “Each product on display carries a piece of Goa’s heritage. For the two artisans, the exhibition is not just about sales it is about recognition, pride, and the hope that traditional skills will continue to find value in modern
markets.”
