A contemporary definition of calligraphy is ‘the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skilful manner'. But in the Indian exhibition being held in the Cairo Opera Grounds, one can see how calligraphy has also become a tool of empowering and an inspiration for different crafts, textiles and other art forms. ‘Akshara (Word): Crafting Indian Scripts', is an exhibition of over 100 museum-quality exhibits created by a not-for-profit national association of crafts people, called Dastkari Haat Samiti. These people have worked with 60 producer-groups or individuals in 14 official Indian languages and scripts, using 21 different craft, textile and art forms, covering 16 states of India. What they have done is unique and innovative. The exhibition includes different arts and skills, with a mix of colours and designs from different ages and places in India. The main person behind the whole event is Jaya Jaitly, the founder of Dastkari Haat Samiti. "For me, carrying such an exhibition outside India sends out several messages. It allows other people to learn more about the wide diversity of our country with at least 23 languages, as well as to enjoy our rich heritage and traditions," says Jaya, a former politician, activist and a pioneer of the handicrafts movement in India. She is amazed to be here in Egypt, "the motherland of calligraphy", as she describes it. Jaya's experience is based on giving confidence to skilled craftsmen, making them proud of their arts. She also wants to help them gain confidence in the marketplace through many innovative strategies. "I wonder why some artists become famous, while we neglect those traditional craftsmen whose work is very beautiful? I want these skilled craftsmen to be treated like the others," she comments. This socialist politician and artist says that governments can support such crafts, "but the bureaucratic nature of governments doesn't allow them to have direct contact with the artisans". This is why Jaya stresses the role of craftsmen's associations that can better serve their interests. She is disappointed to see ‘Made in China' labels on many of the trinkets sold to tourists in Egypt, as people shouldn't let globalisation interfere with their local artisans. Jaya also plans to host a number of Egyptian handicraft workers, so they can take part in one of her festivals in India where they can exchange their experiences and sell their products. She also wants to visit Egyptian craftsmen's associations while she is here in Egypt, so they can exchange experiences. When asked about the items in the exhibition, Jaya says that they can speak best for themselves. The exhibition is a part of a month-long Indian cultural festival entitled ‘India by the Nile'.
