Machilipatnam, August 4, 2013: Visitors from all parts of the district headquarters town are thronging the handloom and handicrafts exhibition, Swayam Krushi Crafts Mela, being organised by the Nalgonda-based Swayam Krushi Association on the premises of the Town Hall here.

Machilipatnam Branch Karoor Vysya Bank Manager K. Radha Krishna Murthy and former Machilipatnam Municipal Chairman B. Vidya Sekhar formally inaugurated a few stalls of handicrafts in the exhibition –cum-sale.

Many physically challenged persons and artisans have formed into a cooperative society - the Swayam Krushi Association in order to provide an ideal marketing platform for the artisans and weavers from across Indian states.

“Among the 31 stalls in the exhibition-cum-sale, half a dozen have been occupied up by the artisans from Kondapalli and Etikoppaka.

A few stalls of Jiapur stone bangles, Mysore Rosewood Panels and Cotton sarees made in West Bengal and Karnataka have been set up by the respective state weavers and artisans,” said Swayam Krushi Association President M. Sukhendar.

Giving a fillip to the sale of products and handicrafts from the cottage and small scale industries, the handloom varieties are witnessing patronage from the womenfolk.

While people from many walks of public life are thronging the exhibition to witness the interior decorative products, the show will be open till August 11, everyday from 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

“The exhibition was aimed at reaching the customer in their hometown. Plans are afoot to conduct the exhibition in other cities also,” said Mr. Sukhendar.

Source: The Hindu, DT. August 4, 2013.