Page 168 - BEATS 24-25

Karigar Mela

Spotlights

Amani Sharma - Founder

“Three years ago, I watched a woman in a

small handicraft store quietly accept half the

value for her embroidery. That moment stayed

with me—not just because of the price, but

because her craft was undervalued. That’s how

Karigar Mela began: to create a space where

artisans’ work is truly celebrated.

Since then, Karigar Mela has grown from a

school initiative into a vibrant platform

showcasing traditional arts from across India. Our campus became a colorful

haat, with stalls preserving heritage that’s survived despite modernization.

As founder of Sprout, a student-led initiative partnering with artisans online,

this Mela is more than an event—it’s a personal mission. Every stall carried

pride, perseverance, and identity. For many, the Mela meant education for their

children, recovery after the pandemic, and finally being seen.

Karigar Mela reminds us why we started: to offer dignity, opportunity, and

connection. In return, our artisans filled the school with rhythm, resilience, and

soul. It’s a powerful reminder that while hands craft beauty, real art lives in the

heart.”