The Crafts Gallery in the New Parliament House brings to life the multifaceted cultural and craft history of India, showcasing the works of over 350 artists, showcasing eight installations that bind India’s creative soul. It has been designed by Jaya Jaitley, chairperson of the Dastkari Haat Committee. The craft organization has worked tirelessly for nine months with the craftsmen for the exhibition that brings together prominent craft forms from all the states and union territories. The aim is to bring to the public the craftsmanship and art that is unique to our one state and civilization. as part of our living heritage. The exhibition is divided into eight themes namely Prakrti, Prakriti, Aastha, Ullas, Parv, Samrasta, Swavalamban and Yatra, which bring alive India’s unique historical, cultural and intellectual heritage along with the present. Every single element of each artwork weaves together diversity, hope and pride. The Ullas establishment deals in the making of quilted quilts which are a wise and sustainable way of recycling old sarees, headcloths or leftover fabric from tailor shops into something good. The artisans who made the patchwork for the blue and red quilts were given minimal instructions. As happiness is important to ‘Glee’, each woman was asked to express her happiness. It was also suggested to keep the bird as a symbol of happiness. Apart from this, the women had complete freedom to use their imagination to engrave the immense love they felt for their child on the cloth. Prakriti Sthapana is based on the idea of being an integral part of us with nature. It is nature that nurtures us. Since Sanjhi has always celebrated nature with trees, birds and animals, this challenge was natural for this art form. Swavalamban Sthapana is a Tripitaka named ‘Charkha – The Wheels of Swavalambam’. Made on 100gsm hand-spun and woven khadi, it includes individual charkhas in traditional Ajrakh style decorated with small mirrors and zari. Charkha is a symbol of our independence and self-reliance, which reminds us of the Swadeshi movement of the freedom struggle.Samrasata Establishment brings together wood carving artefacts and daily items in a variety of metal crafts, crafts made by integrating not only individual wooden blocks but metal crafts from different corners of India Is.A Kavad has been specially designed and built for the Foundation Day. In which 10 major festivals of India were chosen and 10 artists to bring them alive. Five door like panels were made on either side of Kavad, Diwali in Gondi tribal through traditional and folk arts; Holi in Madhubani folk art; Mahavir Jayanti in Cherial Art; Buddha Jayanti in Tankha Buddh; Id in the fine arts in the papier-mâché tradition; Christmas in Contemporary Art; Durga Puja in Kalighat style; Ganesh Chaturthi by Apindra Swain; Pongal in art style inspired by ancient murals; Guru Parv was depicted in the traditional miniature art style. Dastkari Haat Samiti has been a strong vehicle for collaboration with artists, nurturing artisans for several decades. Launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India through the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, it Delhi Bureau includes designers Roop Tilfi, Shelly Jyoti, Puneet Kaushik and Poornima Rai among others. Jaya Jaitley, Chairperson, Dastkari Haat Committee, says “No country in the world has such a vast and rich cultural heritage repository as India, I believe this is the first time that a public and political building has given so much importance to crafts and artisans The gallery represents and celebrates the culture, crafts and communities of India and has given a great impetus to the revival of crafts in the country and to showcase India’s heritage in such a historic building.