Location: Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh
Sponsored by: Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
Organised by: Rajendra Prasad Sewa Sansthan
Introduction
In India, handicrafts are not just a source of livelihood—they are a symbol of our cultural heritage and identity. The Guru-Shishya Parampara (Master-Apprentice Tradition) has been a time-honored way to pass down artistic and craft knowledge from one generation to another.With the goal of preserving traditional crafts and creating sustainable employment, Rajendra Prasad Sewa Sansthan launched a Guru-Shishya Handicraft Training Program in Jewellery Craft for 30 Scheduled Tribe (ST) youth artisans in Balrampur district. This initiative was not only about learning skills—it was about reconnecting with heritage, empowering communities, and building a dignified future.
Program Highlights
🔹 Number of Beneficiaries: 30 youth artisans from SC communities
🔹 Craft Focus: Traditional Jewellery Making
🔹 Duration: 30 days full-time training
🔹 Location: Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh
🔹 Trainers: Experienced master artisans from the local community
🔹 Support: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India & Babu Jagjivan Ram Foundation
Structure of the Training
- Craftsmanship Skills Development
Artisans were trained in the foundational techniques of jewellery making, including cutting, polishing, setting, and intricate designs using traditional tools. - Design Knowledge & Innovation
Along with traditional skills, participants were taught to modernize designs to meet current market trends while retaining cultural uniqueness. - Market Exposure & Branding
They learned the basics of packaging, branding, and selling handcrafted jewellery both offline and online to expand their market reach. - Income Generation & Self-Employment
The program aimed to help artisans understand pricing, budgeting, and customer interaction to start their own businesses or collectives. - Cultural Immersion
The training followed the Guru-Shishya method, ensuring an emotional, respectful, and immersive learning experience rooted in cultural pride.
Impact and Outcomes
✅ Skill Empowerment of 30 ST Youth:
The participants gained hands-on expertise in traditional jewellery craft, building confidence to work independently.✅ Preservation of Local Heritage:
The program revived a dying art form by training new artisans and encouraging the use of traditional techniques.✅ Income Generation Opportunities:
Post-training, several artisans started working on orders or assisting in local units, creating a sustainable income path.✅ Community Recognition:
Artisans began to be seen as skilled professionals in their villages, increasing their self-worth and respect in society.✅ Inclusive Growth:
The training was inclusive in nature—prioritizing women, SC/ST youth, and rural participants—bridging social gaps.✅ Increased Market Linkages:
Many participants are now connecting with local and state-level craft fairs and online platforms to sell their creations.
Voices from the Field
"Before this training, I had never imagined learning a skill that could change my life. Now, I can make traditional jewellery, take orders, and even dream of starting my own shop someday."
— Kishlawati Devi , Trainee Artisan, Balrampur
Conclusion
This Guru-Shishya Training Program is more than just a vocational course—it is a movement to rebuild lost identities, empower underserved communities, and create local livelihood opportunities through cultural preservation.Rajendra Prasad Sewa Sansthan remains committed to taking such efforts forward, where art meets employment, and tradition meets opportunity.
