THE ICIF has become a platform for Indian exhibitors to promote
exchanges and benefit the needy in their home country.
At Indian charity Banglanatak's booth, Madhura Dutta and her
colleagues were introducing traditional handmade Indian arts crafts to
visitors.
The organization aims to help underprivileged groups and people
living in poverty in India.
"Through the fair, buyers can directly see the products made by the
folk artists in India, the group of people our organization cares
about," Dutta said.
"Participation in the fair helps people see what artists in India are
doing. Our organization is a direct link for exchanges between Indian
and Chinese artists."
Dutta explained that Banglanatak had learned much from Shenzhen's
method of combining cultural elements with high technology.
"Shenzhen has set a good example for us and we should learn more from
this," she said.
"The traditional arts products, paintings and calligraphy shows have
impressed me most. I've seen a variety of cultural products which before
I could only see in books," she added.
Back in India, Banglanatak has been involved in the protection of a
variety of cultural customs such as Bengali folk music, folk dances and
cloth scroll paintings which reflect the way of life of different
tribes.