Somaiya Kala Vidya Hosts Kala Umang 2025, Celebrating Artisan-Designers and India’s Living Craft Traditions
Kachchh, Gujarat | : Somaiya Kala Vidya (SKV), a pioneering institution under the Gujarat Trust managed by Somaiya Vidyavihar, hosted its 8th annual convocation showcase, Kala Umang 2025, marking the graduation of 34 artisan-designers. The evening celebrated the seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, reinforcing SKV’s role in strengthening India’s artisan-led creative economy.
The convocation was graced by Mumbai-based fashion designer Padmaja Krishnan, founder of the label PADMAJA, as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted SKV’s vital contribution to sustaining and evolving India’s craft traditions, noting that the graduating cohort reflects a confident, future-ready generation of artisan-designers rooted in heritage yet responsive to modern markets.
Graduates from Kachchh, Bagalkote, and Madhya Pradesh presented collections showcasing Ajrakh, Batik and Bandhani, Soof and Rabari embroidery, Ilkal and Extra Weft weaving, and Madhya Pradesh’s rare Nandana Block Print. Styled by James Ferreira and choreographed by Alison Woodham, the showcase highlighted the strong national presence of SKV alumni, including appearances on platforms such as Lakmé Fashion Week.
Adding cultural depth to the evening were soulful live performances by renowned Sufi singer Mooralala Marwada and multi-instrumentalist DJ Mudra. A standout moment came from SKV’s Outreach & Craft Revival initiative, where three generations from the only family practising Nandana Block Printing walked the ramp together, symbolising intergenerational knowledge transfer and community-led revival.
In 2025, SKV expanded its outreach to engage 64 artisans across Neemuch, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Dharwad, with alumni mentoring artisans through a peer-led learning model. Exhibitions in Mumbai and Bengaluru generated ₹31 lakh in sales, underscoring the commercial viability of craft-led enterprises.
Speaking at the event, Amrita Somaiya said the institute’s vision is to empower kaarigars to become confident artisan-designers capable of engaging contemporary markets without losing their cultural roots. Samir Somaiya, President of Somaiya Vidyavihar, emphasised the importance of education that connects vocation with culture, nature and aesthetics, while Nishit Sangomla, Director of SKV, highlighted how reflective learning builds confidence and independence among graduates.
Since its inception, Somaiya Kala Vidya has nurtured over 200 artisan-designers and continues to strengthen pathways for women artisans through advanced programmes, enterprise support and market access—ensuring India’s artisanal heritage not only endures but thrives.
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