IIT Kanpur signs MoU with IICD Jaipur to empower rural artisans and enhance market appeal

The MoU will help local artisans develop a design sense and enhance the appeal of their products as per market needs.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Crafts & Design, Jaipur (IICD) to empower rural artisans and enhance market appeal for various products. The MoU was signed between Prof. A. R. Harish, Dean of Research and Development, IIT Kanpur and Dr. Toolika Gupta, Director, IICD.

The MoU will help local artisans develop a design sense and enhance the appeal of their products as per market needs.

From IIT Kanpur’s end, the Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra (RSK) will oversee the implementation of the MoU objectives. RSK was set up in IIT Kanpur in 2021 with generous contribution from IITK alumnus, late Dr. Ranjit Singh (BT/MME/1965), and his wife, Ms Martha Carreno. RSK IIT Kanpur has been working with rural communities and artisans for several years, aiming to uplift their livelihoods. The center provides essential training and fosters entrepreneurship among rural youth, enabling them to produce high-quality apparel, bags, potlis and pouches, clay pottery, and ready-to-eat snacks.

IIT Kanpur initiated this collaboration with IICD by recognizing the significance of design inputs in elevating the market appeal of local and rural produce. IICD, being a renowned crafts and design institution in India, has a rich history of empowering the craft sector across the nation. This collaboration would bring their expertise closer to the artisans for enhancing the appeal of their products.

The primary objective of this collaboration is to preserve the traditional art and craft forms, develop enhanced processes, and create innovative designs for locally made products, thereby establishing a strong connection between artisans, craft communities, and consumers. IIT Kanpur and IICD plan to work cooperatively on research, design, and development within the craft sector, with the aim of making these products more usable and marketable.

"We are delighted to collaborate with the Indian Institute of Crafts & Design, Jaipur, on this transformative initiative. By combining our expertise in research, design, and development with their rich legacy in the crafts and design sector, we aim to empower rural artisans, preserve traditional art forms, and create marketable products. We hope that this partnership will contribute largely to the socio-economic development in Uttar Pradesh,” said Prof A. R. Harish, Dean of Research and Development, IIT Kanpur, upon signing the MoU.

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