Buddha’s ‘Parinirvana’ stories to be seen in Deoria handicraft

LUCKNOW: Buddha’s Parinirvana’ stories will take the form of handicraft items in Deoria.
The Indian Institute of Management-Indore (IIM-I), which is working in partnership with the district administration of Deoria, has decided to use the stories to develop handicraft in the district. Deoria borders Kushinagar, where Buddha attained enlightenment. The products would include decorative and home furnishing items.
A team from IIM-I is in Deoria for an entrepreneurship conclave. As part of an MoU, IIM-I and the Deoria DM have initiated to develop the district into a model one.
IIM professor Amit Vatsa, in charge of operations, who was a visiting faculty on the first day of the conclave, told TOI that maintaining exclusivity and differentiation were key to getting success in any venture.
Vatsa said that IIM-I was planning to explore Buddha’s ‘Parinirvana’ stories in local handicraft of the district to get wider appeal and acceptance. Vatsa also cited examples of success stories of ‘Ajrak’ printing of Gujarat and also ‘Mithila’ paintings, which are world-famous.
Deoria DM Amit Kishore told TOI that after the two-day conclave, aimed at exploring the growth potential of the district, a centre would be established where artisans will be given formal training by IIM professors.
“The focus of Tuesday’s session was on developing products made by local artisans. On Wednesday, sessions will be on use of digital marketing in enhancement and sale of these products,” said Kishore.
The IIM team is also planning to explore markets for Deoria’s jaggery. Earlier this month, IIM-Indore inked an MoU with Deoria DM to hammer out the blueprint for development of the district.