Once only Pot Makers, now have become creators of a diverse range of products

Moga,  ( Manpreet singh) – Moga Terra-Cotta Cluster, which started to refine the crafts of local artisans and bring them on the international platform, has started bearing fruits. Once only Pot Makers, now these artisans have become creators of a diverse range of products including terracotta jewelry, flowerpots, bells, plates. To showcase their work to the masses, the District Administration has prepared catalogs of products crafted by the talented women of Moga under the esteemed Project Care of SIDBI  implemented by Grant Thornton. This project aims to empower the artisans of Moga by providing them with the skills and resources needed to create exquisite jewelry.
During the unveiling ceremony, Mr Kulwant Singh expressed his immense pride and admiration for the women who have embraced this opportunity with remarkable dedication and creativity. “The women of Moga have shown extraordinary talent and perseverance,” he remarked. “Their work not only showcases their artistic skills but also represents the spirit of self-reliance and empowerment that Project Care strives to instill.”
While giving this information, Deputy Commissioner Mr . Kulwant Singh said that Fifty artisans are currently engaged in skill development and capacity building under Project Care by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). Among them, approximately 10 artisans have already achieved the status of master trainers, while the remaining are progressing towards this esteemed designation.
These artisans have received comprehensive training under the mentorship of seasoned experts in terracotta craftsmanship. Notable mentors include Shri Hari Om, a master artisan from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh; Shri Rajesh Jain, a distinguished faculty member from an institution in Rajasthan; Mrs. Deepa Sonaji, a faculty member at the Central Village of Pottery Institute in Belgavi, Karnataka; Mrs. Satosh Verma, a skilled instructor at UIFD, Panjab University, and several colleges in Chandigarh; and Mr. Ajay Pal Singh, Senior Associate at DDUGKY in Jammu and Kashmir.
Through these training sessions, the artisans have significantly enhanced their skills. In addition to crafting traditional diyas, they now create a diverse range of products including flowerpots, bells, plates, and notably, terracotta jewelry—a groundbreaking achievement, particularly among the female artisans.
Mr Manpreet Singh, a representative of Grant Thornton said that the products are being effectively marketed through social media platforms such as Instagram and Grant Thornton’s e-market platform, e-gram. With the support of Mr. Kulwant Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Moga, these artisans have gained a valuable outlet to showcase their creations, ensuring broader visibility and market access.