New Delhi, 27th August 2024: VOSMOS, a division of Kestone Integrated Marketing Services and promoted by CL Educate, announced the successful launch of its passion project “Kala Srishti”, India’s largest immersive artisan platform, during a three-day celebration commemorating India’s Independence Day. This initiative, promoted by CL Educate, aims to preserve and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage by offering virtual experience solutions that bring artisans and their unique crafts closer to a global audience.
The three-day celebration began with an address by Piyush Gupta, CEO of VOSMOS, who delivered an inspiring speech about the mission behind Kala Srishti. “Kala Srishti is not just a platform; it’s a movement to preserve the heritage and craftsmanship that define our nation’s identity. Our goal is to provide artisans with a digital stage where they can tell their stories, showcase their art, and connect with a global audience. Through technology, we are helping these artisans sustain their craft in the digital age while staying true to their cultural roots,” Piyush stated.
Day-one included an inspiring panel discussion titled “Art & Craft in Amritkal.” Esteemed speakers like Dr. Rajani Kant, Padma Shri awardee and Executive Director of Human Welfare Association; Kiran Boro, Artisan & Social Activist; and Shivangi Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Industries, Government of Uttar Pradesh, shared their insights into the evolving landscape of Indian arts and crafts. The discussion explored the challenges faced by artisans today, highlighting how traditional craftsmanship can thrive in the modern era. Attendees were left with a deep appreciation for the intricate artistry that has been passed down through generations and the need for concerted efforts to preserve these art forms in a rapidly changing world.
The first day also featured an Artisan Story segment where Tarun Kumar Singh, a Gulabi Meenakari craft expert from Varanasi, shared his insights. Singh, who comes from a lineage of artisans, expressed his vision, “This craft has been in our family for generations. My goal is to expand its reach and make it accessible to more people. The middlemen make it very expensive for end customers, but with platforms like Kala Srishti, we aim to reduce costs and share this unique craft more widely. It is a craft only done in Varanasi, and I hope to bring it to new places.”
The second day began with an inspiring message from Dr. Rajani Kant, Padma Shri awardee and Executive Director of the Human Welfare Association. He highlighted, “Preserving our traditional crafts is crucial for maintaining our cultural identity. Kala Srishti is a significant step toward ensuring these invaluable art forms continue to thrive and gain global appreciation.”
The focus of the day was on the heart and soul of Kala Srishti—the artisans. Attendees were introduced to the voices of master artisans like Sandeep Vishwakarma, Tarun Kumar Singh, Babita, Shahkar Hussain, and Kalpana Kakoti through a series of compelling Artisan Stories. Each artisan shared their personal journeys, providing insights into the intricate processes of their craft and the cultural significance of their creations. These stories showcased how Kala Srishti aims to preserve these art forms by offering a platform for artisans to share their experiences and connect with a global audience.
Sandeep Vishwakarma, one of the artisans featured, spoke passionately about the importance of such initiatives. He said, “Kala Srishti is more than just a marketplace; it’s a lifeline for us artisans. It allows us to preserve our craft and pass it on to future generations, ensuring our heritage continues to thrive. Through Kala Srishti, we are reaching audiences we never imagined, allowing our work to be valued on a global scale. This platform not only supports our livelihoods but also helps us keep our traditions alive and share the rich cultural history embedded in our creations with the world.”
The third day of Kala Srishti featured a fireside chat focused on “Women in Craft: Empowering Female Artisans,” where Ritu Bhandari, Director of Ritu Rang, and Hemamalini Padmanabhan, CEO & Founder of Seven Sarees, discussed the significant role women play in the preservation and innovation of traditional crafts. The session highlighted the importance of providing female artisans with opportunities to thrive in a modern economy while staying true to their roots. The day also featured another Artisan Story segment where Durga Prasad from Varanasi, a glass beadwork artisan, shared his experience: “Our customers love our work, and we are seeing increasing interest from foreign and domestic markets. The government is supporting us and encouraging us, which helps us reach potential customers.”
Addressing the audience on the final day, Satya Narayanan R, Founder & Chairman of CL Educate, emphasized the essence of storytelling in connecting India’s artisans with a global audience. He remarked, “Storytelling, in my view, as far as the Indian artisan, craftsman, and creative genius is concerned, is about connecting their creativity with the global world. The seeds of our future lie deep in our past. We need to reflect upon the richness of India’s heritage, which has always attracted travelers and knowledge seekers from around the world. Today, our goal is to connect the strength of our artisans with contemporary technology and future opportunities, ensuring that their craftsmanship continues to flourish on a global stage. This entire initiative is about telling the India brand story to the world—taking the micro-stories of our entrepreneurs and weaving them into a narrative that resonates universally.”
Kala Srishti stands as India’s largest immersive platform for artisans, providing a global stage for their creations while ensuring their traditions remain intact. With over 200 artisans already signed up and more joining daily, the platform is set to revolutionize how the world perceives and interacts with Indian art.
About VOSMOS
VOSMOS, a division of Kestone Integrated Marketing Services and promoted by CL Educate, specializes in crafting customizable, scalable, and accessible virtual experiences. Established in 2020 during the pandemic and solidified in 2021, VOSMOS empowers clients to achieve sustainable business growth by bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds, ensuring global accessibility 24/7.
VOSMOS revolutionizes consumer experiences within the metaverse virtual reality through its Metacommerce world, offering a virtual business address that connects brands to customers and people to experiences. Its Virtual Events category features hybrid events combining virtual elements with on-ground experiences, offering scalability, an AI-driven bot named Virsa, two-way video conferencing, virtual photo booths, and accessibility for differently-abled individuals.
In the Metaverse category, VOSMOS transforms commerce by enhancing consumer experiences across various sectors such as education, tourism, shopping, banking, and government services. Notable features include 100% customization of metaverse virtual spaces, continuous product promotion, a pay-and-use model, and integration of payment gateways for D2C brands, alongside Virsa, an AI-driven bot offering assistance.
Within Technology Services, VOSMOS offers tailor-made virtual experiences, enabling brand expansion with customized solutions. With an award-winning technology team and experienced data science and analytics personnel, VOSMOS ensures comprehensive and unique virtual solutions tailored to each brand’s specific needs, shaping the future of online interaction.