Shahdol, Sant Ravidas Madhya Pradesh Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation, Chhatvai, organized the Tribal Craftsmen's Fair by the Indian Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Association, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, TRIFED Regional Office, Madhya Pradesh. The fair was inaugurated by Chief Executive Officer, District Panchayat, Mr. Shivam Prajapati, TRIFED's A.K. Rajak, and Yogesh Yadav by lighting a lamp at the idol of Lord Ganesha.

Addressing the gathering at the Tribal Craftsmen's Fair, Chief Executive Officer, District Panchayat, Mr. Shivam Prajapati, said that the craftsmen of Shahdol district are unique and will now be recognized in the country and abroad.

He said that the Sant Ravidas Madhya Pradesh Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation, Chhatwai (Shahdol), provided local artisans with a 50-day training program in modern techniques and traditional handicrafts under the DMF Scheme for the year 2024-25. This initiative will enhance the artisans' skills, create new employment opportunities, and provide a wider market for the handicrafts and handloom products of Shahdol district.

Addressing the gathering at the Namika Mela, Mr. Yogesh Yadav of the TRIFED Department urged the district's artisans to join the TRIFED Department and register online to ensure marketing of their manufactured products. TRIFED can promote their products by uploading them on Flipkart, Amazon, and other internet platforms. He added that TRIFED will initially provide buyers with the price of their products.

On this occasion, artisans inspected stalls displaying Gondi painting, woodcraft, and woolen carpet products, and gathered information about the products they had created.

Officials present at the Tribal Craftsmen's Fair honored trainers and outstanding trainees with certificates and garlands.

It is noteworthy that a 50-day training program in Gondi painting, wrought iron, woodcraft, and carpets, approved under the DMF scheme, was conducted at the Sant Ravidas Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation in Chhatvai village. Approximately 200 local trainees were involved in the training.

Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Affairs Department, Mr. Anand Rai Singha, District Project Officer of the Livelihood Mission, Mr. Ajay Singh, along with trainers and trainees were present. The program was conducted by Mr. Prakash Jaiswal.