IIT Kanpur Supports Local Artisans with Hands-On Pottery Training; Check Details Here

IIT Kanpur is hosting a terracotta pottery workshop for potters from Kanpur Nagar and Dehat. Led by Prof. Prajapati, the workshop features hands-on sessions on pottery techniques and materials, tailored to participants' skill levels.

The Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra (RSK) at IIT Kanpur is hosting a terracotta pottery workshop from January 6-11, 2025, for potters from Kanpur Nagar and Kanpur Dehat. The workshop brings together 25 participants from Bithoor, Baikunthpur, Mandhana, and Pachaurh in Kanpur Nagar, as well as Sarvankhera and Pukhrayan in Kanpur Dehat. The workshop is led by Prof. Manoj Prajapati, a renowned terracotta pottery and sculpting expert from Sriniketan Vishva Bharati University, Kolkata.

The Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra initiative seeks to bridge traditional artistry with modern market demands. By fostering skill development and innovation, it supports a sustainable future for Kanpur’s rich pottery heritage while empowering potters to succeed in an evolving marketplace. Prof. Prajapati is teaching advanced techniques like slabbing and coiling, along with practical methods for building low-cost, efficient pottery furnaces. The sessions also focus on modern glazing techniques to improve product quality and market appeal, helping potters adapt their craft to evolving consumer demands.

Rita Singh, coordinator of activities at RSK, remarked, "The center is connected to over 100 potters in Kanpur with the goal of placing the city on the pottery map of the state. This workshop aims to introduce new design thinking and improved processes that will help the potters create products that are more attractive to consumers."

At the inauguration, Prof. Sandeep Sangal, Principal Investigator of RSK, urged the potters to seize this opportunity to blend modern techniques with their traditional practices. Prof. Kallol Mondal from IIT Kanpur emphasized the importance of applying the workshop's learnings to elevate their craft, while Prof. Shailly, a ceramics expert at IIT Kanpur, shared valuable insights into the workshop’s curriculum.

Prof. Prajapati is guiding participants through various pottery techniques and materials, including hands-on sessions to create wheel-thrown items tailored to their skill levels. His enthusiasm and encouragement have inspired the artisans, assuring them that these techniques are easy to adopt and can significantly enhance the quality and market appeal of their craft.

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