As part of the International Fleet Review organized by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, a workshop on natural dyeing was conducted at Sankalpa Kala village near Pinagdi in Pendurthi mandal on Friday. Around 60 delegates from around 50 countries participated in the event organized under the aegis of Navy Welfare and Wellness Association, Eastern Region.

Visitors spent several hours interacting with artisans and observing craft traditions continued by the village collective. They examined handloom textiles dyed with plant-based dyes, traditional lacquer toys and locally produced oxen oil products, and discussed raw material techniques and sourcing with artisans. The delegates were also introduced to the traditional culinary practices of grinding pulses by taking turns on a stone mill using methods preserved at the centre.

The highlight of the session was the hands-on tie and dye activity. Participants folded and tied cloth into different patterns before immersing it in a pot of natural dye extract.

The event concluded with a Kolattam performance, in which several foreign delegates joined local artistes in rhythmic folk dance. Dinesh K.

Tripathi’s wife Shashi Tripathi and Sanjay Bhalla’s wife Priya Bhalla attended the event along with the wives of senior naval officers. The program was conducted by Jamilya Akula on behalf of Sankalpa Art Village.

Founder Secretary of Green Climate Team NGO J. V. Ratnam, Professor Sudhakar Reddy and Tulsi Naturals head Turpati Satyanarayana were present.

Founders of Sankalpa Art Village, Akula Chalapathi Rao and Parvathi facilitated the trip with their team.