Dastkari Haat Samiti

The Dastkari Haat Samiti implemented the Akshara Project, uniting key objectives: promoting literacy among unlettered artisans, showcasing India's linguistic diversity through visual art, developing a novel design language via artistic calligraphy in regional scripts, and applying it to various traditional crafts. An extensive exhibition unveiled this effort, featuring excellently crafted products in stone, wood, handloom, embroidery, traditional arts, and block printing, each eloquently expressing the artisan's voice. It also delved into the art of handwriting, script history, and live demonstrations by traditional artists, calligraphers, musicians, and dancers, all celebrating the written word's beauty. The event culminated with the publication of "Crafting Indian Scripts" and was hosted at the India Habitat Centre in 2012.

The Dastkari Haat Samiti dedicated approximately 70 lakh Rupees to craft 24 detailed maps, each representing and describing an Indian state. These maps were unveiled during an exhibition at Dilli Haat in 2005, inaugurated by President Abdul Kalam and graced by luminaries like Pundit Ravi Shankar and Anjolie Ella Menon. Subsequently, they were showcased at the Frankfurt Book Fair when India was the guest of honour, and also at Kalakshetra in Chennai and the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. Half of this exhibition made its way to Dilli Haat at Trafalgar Square in London, showcasing India's diverse arts, crafts, textiles, cuisine, herbal remedies, yoga, and more. Following the event, workshops were conducted at Cockpit Arts and the Nehru Centre in London.

Dastkari Haat Samiti presents an array of Gift Baskets tailored to cover nearly half a year of diverse celebrations and festivities. These baskets are adorned with lamps and flowers to enhance any occasion, while organic cosmetics add to one's personal radiance. Aromatics contribute to a sense of tranquillity, and trays symbolize the gesture of welcoming and warm hospitality.

The Samiti provides complimentary, ongoing design support to individual artisans through its President and in-house designer at its office. This vital service spans diverse design projects nationwide. Notable efforts include aiding artisans in Uttaranchal with Knitting & Aipen Products, enhancing Khurja Pottery in Uttar Pradesh, fostering Badohi basketry, and promoting kite-making skills. The Samiti also contributes to Dhokra metal work in Madhya Pradesh, Nirmal Toys & Kalamkari workshops in Andhra Pradesh, Gond Painted toy initiatives in Madhya Pradesh, and Madhubani Toys & steel boxes in Bihar. Its expertise extends to crafting souvenirs for Haryana Tourism. It engages in various crafts in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan, conducts workshops with schools, including those for individuals with disabilities, and collaborates with Katha Publishing for creative initiatives.