M
SANGEETA ROY explains her role in the revival of the Indian handicraft sector while educating on its exotic, natural and eco-friendly beauty.
TF: Where does your interest in Indian handicrafts stem from?
SR: I was born in Delhi which had - and still has - a lot of craft fairs. My elder sister would take me to all the exhibitions, no matter how obscure the location. I became deeply interested in the beauty and history of the crafts. Arriving in Singapore, I was surprised to find little or no rural or tribal Indian crafts had made their way here so I decided to start Kala Tarang, a lucrative business venture with a clear social motive.
TF: What do you exhibit?
SR: Kala Tarang exhibits a wide range of Indian crafts including pottery, metal work, embroidery, folk paintings, weaves and dyes. Every product is made incorporating eco-friendly processes.
TF: How do the crafts maintain eco-friendliness?
SR: Traditional Indian crafts are predominantly rustic art forms. They are practised by rural and tribal communities as part of their daily lives including rituals like births and marriages. Living in harmony with the environment is part of these people's religious ethos so the creative process ensures no harm is caused to the local soil, air or water bodies. As a result, the myriad of colours seen in Kala Tarang exhibitions are all created from nature's own palette. Over the years, crafts have evolved to cater to changing tastes and needs while utmost care continues to ensure processes remain faithful to eco-friendly ideals.
TF: What's the appeal in Indian Handicrafts?
SR: While there is definitely awareness and interest in Indian handicrafts, not enough is known about their wide range, history and commitment to eco-friendliness. Indian handicrafts are beautiful representations of how environmental sustainability doesn't have to be at loggerheads with aesthetic appeal. Artists extract colours and implements from nature yet are in now way restricted in realising their vision. The crafts also provide a peek into the rituals and lives of different rural and tribal communities.
TF: How does your current role differ from your life in India?
SR: I used to work in the banking industry as part of a team with limited exposure and responsibility. My current role is multi-dimensional. I source crafts from India, take care of branding activities, organise exhibitions and manage general operations. I meet and interact with a wide range of people from corporate representatives to rural craftspeople so I must be on my creative toes constantly. While both challenging and exciting, it's also good to feel I can make a difference in the Indian crafts sector.
TF: What do you love most about Singapore?
SR: Singapore is a global, cosmopolitan city with countless opportunities. I love the child-friendly environment and the education and entertainment options for both my sons. There's a great variety of food and I do love the weather.
TF: Any favourite hot-spots?
SR: I like dining at Garibaldi (www.garibaldi.com.sg), Sabai (www.sabaifinethai.com.sg), Din Tai Fung (www.dintaifungusa.com) and The Song of India (www.thesongofindia.com). And I particularly enjoy the arts scene at the Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands and The Arts House.
Kala Tarang is an enterprise which aims to give Indian craft its rightful place outside India. It currently sources from more than 30 non-governmental organisations and crafts people all over India. Kala Tarang has organised four exhibitions in Singapore since November 2008 with more in the pipeline. www.kalatarang.com
Posted Sept 2011
