Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated the "Crafted for the Future " exhibition at the National Craft Museum, New Delhi today. An initiative by the office of DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, the exhibition highlightes India's rich craft traditions and their relevance to sustainable, contemporary living.
The inauguration took place in the presence of Ms. Amrit Raj, DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles along with Ms. Radhika Kaul Batra, Chief of Staff, United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, India; Ms. Padmavati Dwivedi, Ecological Restorer; and Swami Prem Parivartan (Peepal Baba), Founder, Give Me Trees Trust.
Inaugurating the exhibition Shri Giriraj Singh said that the youth today is understanding the traditional craft and are presenting contemporary products that are relevant to global audiences. Shri Giriraj Singh said that all measures are being taken to facilitate artisans and to take various crafts from India to the world.
Crafted for the Future, the 10-day exhibition is part of the National Handicrafts Week. It will remain open to the public until 21 December 2025, with free entry for all visitors. Crafted for the Future, the third edition of the broader Weave the Future series, places a renewed emphasis on everyday material culture the intrinsic connection between communities, their environments, and the materials that shape daily life.
By spotlighting artisans and material innovators from across India, the initiative showcases practices grounded in ecological balance, regional identity, and deep material intelligence. Speaking at the event, Ms. Amrit Raj, DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, said that keeping India's craft wisdom alive is not about preserving memory, it is about recognising craft as a living, breathing force shaping our tomorrow.
Visitors to ‘Crafted for the Future’ can experience a range of programmes designed to immerse them in the origins, processes, and contemporary potential of India's material cultures. The exhibition includes
Immersive installations exploring the journeys of everyday materials.
Curated craft marketplace featuring artisans and collectives working with local, regenerative materials
Daily film screenings, demonstrations, and conversations on material origins and craft processes
Hands-on workshops led by artisans, designers, and practitioners across ceramics, embroidery, wool, bamboo, natural dyes, food traditions, and more (registration required for workshops)
The event encourages public engagement with material origins and craft-led ecological knowledge systems, fostering a deeper understanding of how sustainable futures can be shaped through conscious relationships with materials and makers.