From Art to Opportunity: AjatShatru, Founder and Group CEO visits Tikuli Art Beneficiaries at Bihta, Patna

A visit, which reaffirmed the leadership, encouragement and purpose of women empowerment at the core of MG SocialCare Foundation’s Tikuli Art Skill Development Programme.

At MG SocialCare Foundation, we feel that skill development is not just about learning a craft but it is about building confidence, dignity and opportunity towards sustainable livelihoods.

This faith materialized when AjatShatru visited Bihta, Patna to witness the work of the Foundation’s Tikuli Art Skill Development Workshop with its beneficiaries.

The programme was initiated in Bihta, with the goal of empowering women to learn and master the traditional craft of Tikuli, and empower them to monetise their craft to generate income and financial independence. This initiative currently has a group of twenty women beneficiaries starting this journey of learning, creativity and empowerment.

Meeting the Women Behind the Art

AjatShatru did not just visit the beneficiaries; it was an exchange of ideas and experiences. This was a chance to get to know them and their work, and to hear about what they want to achieve.

For the women participating in the programme, the interaction was more than a formal meeting. It was an opportunity to share their journey, speak about their aspirations and receive encouragement from the leadership of the Foundation.

The presence of local leadership made the occasion even more significant. The Mayor of Bihta, Ms. Priyanka Kumari, was also present at the event, along with the mentors, trainers and organisers who have been closely involved in making the programme possible.

Another important concept that was emphasized during the visit was that “real empowerment starts when people get a skill and they are encouraged and given opportunities to apply it”

Keeping Traditional Art Alive

Tikuli Art is a part of India’s rich traditional art. As in other indigenous art forms, it is essential not only to maintain the technique, but also to ensure its relevance to the present day and its viability for the producers of this art form.

It is here that MG SocialCare Foundation can make a difference.

The Foundation builds capacity of underprivileged communities and rural artisans through skills, to save Indian arts and crafts and to integrate traditional skills with modern markets. It is active in many art and craft traditions of the Indian subcontinent.

So the goal is to preserve the art and elevate the artist.

From Training to Livelihood

Bihta initiative is part of a larger vision to allow practical skills to bring about sustainable opportunities.

Training is the first step, but it’s not the last. To make any difference, artisans must be visible, have access to markets and enjoy equitable access to income from their skills. To help close this gapMG SocialCare Foundation works to support artisans after training.

Rural and underprivileged communities make handmade arts and crafts more accessible to consumers via its platform, MG Canvas. The platform aims to encourage traditional Indian arts and to provide a channel for the talented artisans to create opportunities for their art to reach the masses.

This makes a positive circle:

Learn → Create → Showcase → Sell → Earn → Grow

And throughout it all the emphasis is on the artisan.

The visit is intended to inspire the journey to come.

The Tikuli Art workshop is just the start of a journey for the beneficiaries in Bihta.

It is believed that as they learn, practise and refine their skills, they will gradually gain in confidence, economic opportunity and recognition.

At the event, AjatShatru engaged in a conversation with the beneficiaries as a reminder that social impact can be created by consistently interacting with the beneficiaries with whom a programme aims to engage.

In his words, “When a skill is developed with adequate support it can be so much more than a craft, it can become a means to a better life, a way to be independent and a way to be proud”.

The Journey Continues

The Tikuli Art beneficiaries of Bihta have started creating. Their tales are just starting to be told.

Their handmade Tikuli Art creations will also have more exposure in the coming days that will allow more people to appreciate the beauty of this traditional art form and help the women behind the art.

The event also received attention from the local media, with the programme and Ajat Shatru’s visit being covered by several local dailies. The media coverage helped bring wider visibility to the initiative and, importantly, highlighted the efforts of the women participating in the programme.