Panaji: The National Handicrafts Awards by govt of India are set to honour a craftsperson from Goa. Amar Shet from Mayem, Bicholim, has been selected under the category of terracotta and pottery works. Shet will receive the award from the President of India at an award ceremony to be held on Dec 9 in New Delhi.The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a shawl, a certificate and a Tamrapatra.This year, a total of 17 national awards were declared in various categories by the office of the development commissioner (handicrafts) under the ministry of textiles.”This marks the first time that a Goan artisan has received this national-level recognition in this category,” said handicrafts director Sagun Velip.The craftsman has been recognised for his work depicting the traditional Goan theme of Devi Kelbai Malyachi Jatra, Male at Mayem. An accomplished young artisan, he is known for his distinctive clay murals, terracotta idols and contemporary clay-based designs. He inherited his passion for art and clay craftsmanship from his late father, Ladu Shet, and further honed his technical skills through training at the Central Village Pottery Institute, Khanapur, Karnataka.At the age of 35, Shet is among the younger artisans to receive this national honour.“Shet’s dedication to clay art and his contribution to preserving Goa’s cultural heritage. His achievement is an inspiration to other artisans, particularly the younger generation, to pursue traditional crafts and explore new possibilities in design and craftsmanship,” Velip said.
