BENGALURU, 9 AUG

A couple from Hasuvante village in Siddapura taluk, Uttara Kannada district, has been selected to participate in the 78th Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi, as part of a special initiative by the Department of Skill Development and the National Livelihood Mission.

Saraswati and Eshwar Naik, members of the Pragati Stree Shakti Sangha under the Manamane Sanjeevini Federation, were invited to the national event for their outstanding contributions to Chittara art, showcased during various Saras Mela events organised under the Sanjeevini programme.

The invitation was formally handed over to the couple a few days ago. According to P.I. Srividya, Mission Director of the National Livelihood Mission, the couple’s selection recognises their artistic skill and representation of self-help groups from the region.

Eshwar Naik, a noted Chittara artist, had earlier participated in the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. “It is a matter of pride that Saraswati, representing SHG members and skilled artisans from Uttara Kannada, will now be part of the Independence Day programme,” Srividya said.

As part of the celebrations, the couple is also expected to have the rare honour of meeting the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, according to senior officials.

This recognition highlights the impact of the livelihood mission in empowering rural artisans and promoting traditional art forms on national platforms.