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The Indian handicrafts exhibition held in Harare last week registered great success, with hundreds of people taking time to appreciate original crafts from that country, an Indian Embassy official has said.At least 15 Indian companies took part in the nine-day exhibition held at Joina City in Harare. Indian Embassy first secretary Mr Rakshpaul Malhotra said the event attracted thousands of visitors who came to view and buy some of the wares that were brought from India.
The show was organised by the Indian Embassy and the Export Promotions Council Handicrafts (ECPH). “The 15 exhibitors and six master craftsmen came and showcased to Zimbabwe how they make their artefacts,” said Mr Malhotra in an interview yesterday. “A good number of visitors came and they appreciated works done by the exhibitors.
“We had enough of business activity and the exhibitors have generated interest among Zimbabweans. There has been good exposure of Indian art in Harare, some of which has been developed over 100 or more than 1 000 years before it followed generation after generation.”
Mr Malhotra said some of the art has developed over 4 000 years.
“That made us to come to such important places like Harare so that we make people aware of such rich traditions,” he said adding, “Zimbabwe has good carvings and crafts and it is important for both sides to collaborate for the good of our culture and tradition.”
The exhibitors, he said, were part of the 7 000 members who have their own exhibition hall in Delhi in India. Mr Malhotra emphasised that the exhibition was held to make people understand the cultural component of Indian artefacts and that another event will be held next year.
ECPH projects co-ordinator Mr Siddhartha Tyagi commended Zimbabwean art which he said was important in developing the artists.
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