STRC Update​

In a significant boost to skill development and the preservation of traditional Indian handicrafts, the Science and Technology Resource Centre (STRC) of Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, has been officially recognized as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) by the Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC), New Delhi. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing this strategic collaboration was signed on May 5th at the HCSSC headquarters in New Delhi.

The partnership aims to strengthen skill development initiatives for artisans and youth in the Gadchiroli region, promote and preserve indigenous tribal handicrafts, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. The collaboration will focus on the following key areas:

• Training of Trainers (ToT) Programs: Enhancing the capabilities of trainers to deliver high-quality handicraft education.
• Handicraft-Based and Vocational Training Programs: Providing hands-on training in various traditional handicrafts.
• School Education Programs: Integrating traditional arts and crafts into school education.
• Promotion and Skill Upgradation: Focusing on existing art forms such as bamboo crafts and Gond painting.
• Revival of Endangered Crafts: Efforts will be undertaken to revive unique traditional crafts such as Dokra Craft.
• Establishment of a Skill Hub: A dedicated Skill Hub will be established in Gadchiroli to strengthen industry linkages, product development, and market access.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Shri Krishan Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, HCSSC, New Delhi; Dr. Prashant Bokare, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Gondwana University, Gadchiroli; and Shri Swapnil Girade, Chief Program Officer and Head, STRC, Gondwana University, Gadchiroli.

The recognition of STRC as a Centre for Excellence is a result of the visionary leadership and guidance of Dr. C. D. Mayee, Chairman, Governing Body, STRC, Gondwana University, and Dr. Prashant Bokare, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Gondwana University, Gadchiroli. The initiative also received valuable support from Dr. Shriram Kawale, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Gondwana University; Dr. Anil Hirekhan, Registrar, Gondwana University; and Smt. Pragati Gokhale, Advisor and Office In-Charge, RGSTC, Nagpur,Govt of Maharashtra. Special efforts towards this milestone of the Centre were undertaken by the STRC team, particularly Shri Swapnil Girade, Chief Program Officer and Head, STRC, Shri Gandharv Pilare, Scientific Officer, STRC, and Shri Vinod Varthya, Junior Scientific Officer, STRC.

The newly recognized Centre of Excellence is poised to become a key hub for NSQF-aligned training, trainer development, design innovation, entrepreneurship promotion, and certification in the handicrafts sector. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit tribal artisans, women self-help groups, and youth in Gadchiroli district, thereby contributing to regional economic empowerment and cultural preservation.