DW BUREAU / PATIALA Women's Studies Centre, Punjabi University, Patiala organised one day workshop on 'Skill Development cum-Awareness of Female Phulkari Artisans of Rural Punjab' in collaboration with Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, Chandigarh and Centre of Women's Studies New Delhi. Dr.Arvind, Vice-Chancellor, remarked that educational institutions, Banks and NGOs can play a positive role in integrating handicraft with technology and customized marketing should be initiated. He further added that Phulkari Centres associated with University should provide Phulkari products, gifts as per the requirement of society, so as to boost the sales of Phulkari artisans. He suggested that some innovative ideas should be implemented as per the need of the hour. Divya from Punjab State Council for Science and Technology said that there is a strong need to bridge the gap between manufacturing and marketing of their wares in the international markets. Mr.Gurpreet Singh, cluster Manager, (Patiala District), NABARD gave detailed information about various financial schemes aiming at making rural female Phulkari artisans self reliant. Daljit Kaur Cheema, Vice President and Harvinder Kaur, Secretary Rotary Club Patiala were also honoured on the occasion for their active participation in motivating rural female artisans. About 35-40 female phulkari artisans from Sullar, Roargarh, Gajjumajra and Ghanour Villages participated. (editor@dailyworld.in)