Shri Vishnu N Hade Minister Embassy of India, Tehran informed Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, that the office of the Women's affairs, Ministry of Interior, Islamic Republic of Iran is having an International Exhibition of handicrafts by women at Kish Island. Based on this Ms Tinoo Joshi, Development Commissioner (H), requested Crafts Council of India to participate in this exhibition by sending a delegation of 2 members and 3 craftspersons.

In turn Crafts Council of India nominated Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Prabhakar, Chairperson - Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh to lead a team of 3 craftswomen representing Banjara Hand Embroidery, Basketry from Pulicat and Loin loom weaving from Assam. Due to paucity of time only the Banjara Embroidery craftswoman could obtain the passport and complete the ECNR formalities in time. However, the basketry items were also taken for display. Publicity material like pamphlet & posters were displayed and distributed at the exhibition.

The exhibition was inaugurated at 6:00 PM on 28th January, 2004 by:

All the speakers stressed on the point of development and importance of women in the present society.

Mr. Nasiri mentioned that women must be respected and helped to develop themselves to work in key positions. He also said that an Indian girl child is born stronger. He stressed that craftswomen working in a village must know the price of their creation and respect their work.

Ms. Shojai mentioned that women should recognise the worth of their handwork and should aim to showcase to the world their capability and capacity.

The Banjara Embroidery craftswoman Ms. Lakshmi Bai displayed her products and demonstrated her skills. Baskets of Ms. Joharbei of Pullikat were also displayed and well appreciated. Other handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh like Silver Filigree, Ettikoppaka lacquerware and Kalamkari were displayed.

Though Silver Filigree and Kalamkari were well appreciated but the items that were less expensive like the Ettikoppaka toys attracted more attention. The exhibition generated a lot of interest in the crafts that were exhibited and literature distributed. Though Kish Island is a holiday resort, the main visitors to the exhibition were mostly Iranian who have shown interest only in smaller articles while appreciate the upmarket expensive articles like silk stoles, cushion covers and silver filigree items. They were disappointed that Saris and Bangles were not showcased.