SILPA SADAN
(A Centre for Rural Craft, Technology & Design)

Silpa Sadana, a department under Palli Samgathana Vibhaga is a pioneering institute in India in developing cottage and small scale industries. It has two units: Training and Extension Wing.

Training Activities
In the training section, systemic training in twelve different trades or industries is being given to about 130 regular students. It offers 3-year Diploma Courses (approved by AICTE) in Textile Technology (Handloom), in Furniture Technology & Interior Design and in Pottery & Ceramic Technology, 2-year Certificate Courses in Hand Made Paper Making, Book Binding, Batik and Leather Work as well as 3-year Certificate Courses in Handloom Weaving, Wood Work and Pottery. It also offers vocational courses to the first year students of B.S.W. (Hons.), and to the students of Uttar Siksha Sadana, Visva-Bharati.

Extension Activities
Its Extension Wing offers the necessary assistance to produce articles in the above-mentioned trades and market them through its sales emporium.
At present 13 weavers from nearby villages are provided work through an extension and rehabilitation programme. Besides these, craft exhibitions, sales, discussion and demonstrations etc. are organised during Silpatsava, Rathindra Silpa Mela, Poush Mela and Sriniketan Mela with active participation of the staff, students, ex-students and local craftsmen. Students participate in NSSI/NCC and Study Tours of the university.