President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the awards to Shilp Gurus and National Awardees at a function at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
(Union Minister of State for Textiles (I/C) – Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar)
- 21 Shilp Gurus have been selected for the years 2012, 2013 & 2014, out of whom 18 are male and 3 are female.
- 59 craftspersons have been selected for the National Awards for the year 2012, 2013, & 2014.
About Awards
The Shilp Guru Awards, National Awards and National Merit Certificate are awarded to a craftsperson only once in a lifetime to encourage master craftspersons to maintain excellence in craftsmanship and keep alive our old tradition.
Shilp Guru Awards
Shilp Guru Awards recognise the excellence of craftsmanship and the role played by craftspersons in the continuance of crafts as a vital part of traditional heritage.
- The Awards were initiated in 2002, by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the resurgence of Handicrafts in India.
- From 2002 to 2014, 117 artisans across the country have been selected for the award. This includes 13 master craftswomen.
- Prize – It consists of a gold coin, Rs. 2, 00, 000 in cash, Tamrapatra, Angavastram and certificate.
National Awards
National Awards recognise the outstanding craftspersons in the handicrafts sector.
- The Awards were initiated in 1965 by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
- Since 1965 to 2014, 1,193 master craftspersons across the country have been selected for the award, out of whom 186 are women.
- Prize – It consists of 1, 00,000 in cash, Tamrapatra, Angavastram and certificate.
The main crafts for which the Awards have been given are Metal Engraving, Terracotta, Worli Painting, Madhubani Painting, Papier Mache, Punjabi Tilla Jutti, Miniature Painting, Gold Leaf Painting, Pichwai painting, Phad Painting, Hand Block Printing, Bone Carving, Sandal Wood Carving, Tie and Dye Clay Modelling, coconut shell carving, Lac work, Stone Dust, Pattachitra, paddy craft jewellery and straw craft.