Workshop

The objective of the workshop was to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, focusing on the revitalization of the indigenous Kuhila toy industry. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles, the workshop seeks to address the identified shortcomings, introducing contemporary and attractive designs, incorporating functional elements, and enhancing product diversification. Through this collaboration, the workshop also aimed to showcase and preserve the rich heritage of Kuhila toys while ensuring their relevance and appeal to the current generation of children. The workshop involved refinement, expert inputs, and a presentation showcasing the transformation of ideas into tangible and market-ready Kuhila toys.

There were 24 participants for the workshop comprised of school children and design students. The participants were organized into 6 groups, each comprising one craftsman, three M.Des students, and one school student. Design educators guided two groups each, ensuring a balanced and fruitful exchange of knowledge and creativity throughout the workshop.The overarching goal was to provide a platform for skill development, knowledge exchange, and creative exploration, ultimately uplifting the traditional artistry of Kuhila toy crafting.

Resource Persons

• Dr.Purba Joshi, an Industrial Designer and Associate Professor from IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay,
• Mr. Lalon, an Artist and Designer who serves as Visiting Faculty at NID Ahmedabad, and
• Dr.Supradip Das, an Industrial Designer and Assistant Professor at Department of Design, IIT Guwahati.
• Complementing this expertise, master craftsmen of Kuhila crafts, hailing from West Bengal and Assam, enriched the workshop with their traditional skills. The craftsmen were Kamal Malakar, KanchanMalakar, MallikaHalder, Sunil Haldar, Suresh Malakar, and Karen Malakar.