Somaiya Kala Vidya (SKV), an institution under the Gujarat Trust managed by Somaiya Vidyavihar, held its 8th convocation ceremony, Kala Umang 2025, marking the graduation of 34 artisan-designers. The event featured a fashion showcase presenting traditional Indian craft practices interpreted through contemporary design.

The ceremony was attended by fashion and textile designer Padmaja Krishnan, founder of the label PADMAJA, who served as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted the role of institutions such as SKV in supporting the continuity and relevance of India’s craft traditions within present-day markets.

Graduating artisan-designers from Kachchh, Bagalkote and Madhya Pradesh presented collections featuring Ajrakh, Batik and Bandhani techniques; Soof and Rabari embroidery; Ilkal and Extra Weft weaving; and Nandana Block Print. The showcase was styled by James Ferreira and choreographed by Alison Woodham. Live performances by Sufi singer Mooralala Marwada and DJ Mudra accompanied the presentations.

A key segment of the evening focused on the Nandana Revival Artisan-to-Artisan Outreach Programme, during which three generations from the only family practising Nandana Block Printing walked the ramp together. The initiative represents SKV’s first formal craft revival programme in Madhya Pradesh and is based on long-term, community-led knowledge transfer.

SKV reported expanded outreach in 2025, engaging with 64 artisans across Neemuch, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Dharwad through craft revival and mentoring initiatives, with alumni contributing as peer mentors. Products developed through these programmes were showcased in exhibitions in Mumbai and Bengaluru, generating sales of ₹31 lakh.

Speaking at the convocation, representatives of Somaiya Kala Vidya reiterated the institute’s focus on enabling artisans to develop independent design identities while engaging with contemporary markets. SKV has worked with more than 200 artisan-designers since its inception and continues to support craft-based enterprise development, with particular emphasis on women artisans and access to wider markets.

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