1. Introduction: 

A very Good evening and warm welcome to all. This is for a very special kind of occasion we have gathered here this morning. We want to bring the spotlight on that section of our nation’s citizenry who are carrying thousands of years of our heritage on their shoulders! No in their skilful fingers!! Yes our very talented craftsmen. We have our craftsmen with their various talents to showcase their beautiful creations.

We have the weavers of the rich Paithani silks, the Warli painters, the makers of the famous Kolhapur Leather – Footwear, the intricate Bidri brassware, the Dhurrie Weavers, Banjara Embroidery…. all these from Maharashtra. We have men and women with magic in their hands from other states too. Craftsmen have come from distant Meghalaya and Nagaland, from neighbouring Gujarat. We have the makers of the amazing Kashmiri embroidery to the wooden toy makers from Andhra. And so any more.

2. Welcome speech: 

Our Respected Principal, Sri. Harsh Nayak, our beloved teachers, staff and all my friends join me in welcoming the Honourable Chief Guest, the textile Minister, Shrimati Mandakini Gadge, to this exciting and colourful programme. A very warm welcome to you Madam! It is a great pleasure and an honour to have you here. And a warm welcome to all the parents and all guests.

3. Inaugural Ceremony – 

Lighting of the Lamp: I request our Chief Guest Shrimati Mandakini Gadge and our Principal to kindly come to the dais. We request you to light the ceremonial lamp, in the traditional Indian way, to declare the exhibition open.

4. Prayer song: 

And now kindly take your seats for a short programme before we go around viewing the exhibition. Music is such a positive influence. So starting on a note of gratitude we have the prayer song by the stars of our musicclub, Nandini, Sonia, Bhaskar, Jay and Kavita. Manjeet is accompanying them on the violin.

5. Welcome Programme: 

Thank you for that lovely song to begin the programme my friends. Now for a unique performance! We have a Fashion-show!! It is unique because the students of our college and our participating craftsmen- guests worked together for the last few days. This is a first! A big round of applause for our models on the catwalk!

6. Concluding Remarks: 

Thank you for your encouragement! Wasn’t that wonderful? You may have noticed for yourself, but let me clarify. The stylish saris, salwar suits, elegant kurtas, those shawls, the stunning neck-pieces, the baskets on the ladies’ arms, the wooden screens in the backdrop, the lampshades on the stage, the carpet on the catwalk… and all the decor you can see on the stage are all creations of the masters who are displaying their creations in the exhibition! You now have an idea of what is in store for dressing stylishly, or doing up your home elegantly. That was only starters! The main course is still waiting for you. And there is dessert as well…!!

1. I now request our Chief Guest Shrimati Gadge to address the audience. 

2. Thank you, for those words of praise and appreciation of the craftsmen Madam. They richly deserve them.

3. This is the first time a college is hosting such an exhibition. We welcome you all to go around and view the stunning collection of handicraft products. There are master workers who will show you how some of their handicraft is created. They will happily demonstrate their ancient skills. You can watch how the lovely designs we wear are made at the loom.

There are demos to show the yarn being dyed and informative presentations showing the stages in the process. The beadwork artists can help guests to select stones and make them into elegant neck-pieces. There are stalls selling numerous stunning products. Apparel, Decor pieces for your homes, gifts for the festival season. 

I invite our Honourable Chief Guest to formally declare the exhibition open and take a leisurely round of the displays. 

4. Thank you all for making this festival of crafts a resounding success.