Navy delegates explore natural dyeing at Sankalpa Art Village

As part of the International Fleet Review organised by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam, a workshop on natural dyeing was held at Sankalpa Art Village near Pinagadi in Pendurthi mandal on Friday.

Organised under the aegis of the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association, Eastern Region, the programme brought together around 60 delegates from nearly 50 countries. The visitors spent several hours interacting with artisans and observing craft traditions sustained by the village collective. They examined handloom textiles coloured with plant based dyes, traditional lacquer toys and locally prepared oxen oil products, and discussed techniques and sourcing of raw materials with the craftspeople.

Delegates were also introduced to traditional culinary practices, taking turns to grind pulses on stone grinders using methods preserved at the centre. The highlight of the session was a hands on tie and dye activity. Participants folded and tied fabric into different patterns before dipping them into vats of natural colour extracts. The programme concluded with a Kolatam performance, with several foreign delegates joining local artistes in the rhythmic folk dance.

Shashi Tripathi, spouse of Dinesh K. Tripathi, and Priya Bhalla, wife of Sanjay Bhalla, attended the programme along with spouses of senior naval officers. The event was coordinated by Jameelya Akula on behalf of Sankalpa Art Village. Founder secretary of Green Climate Team NGO J. V. Ratnam, professor Sudhakar Reddy and head of Tulasi Naturals Turpati Satyanarayana were among those present. Founders of Sankalpa Art Village, Akula Chalapathi Rao and Parvathi, along with their team, facilitated the visit.