Goa’s traditional handicraft sector has earned national recognition, with artisan Amar Shet from Mayem, Bicholim, selected for the National Handicrafts Award in the terracotta and pottery category.

Shet will receive the prestigious award from the President of India at a ceremony scheduled to be held in New Delhi on December 9. The award comprises a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a shawl, a certificate and a Tamrapatra.

This year, 17 National Handicrafts Awards were announced across various categories by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Union Ministry of Textiles.

Handicrafts Director Sagun Velip said this was the first time a Goan artisan had received national-level recognition in this category.

Shet has been recognised for his artistic work depicting traditional Goan themes, including Devi Kelbai and the Malyachi Jatra at Mayem. He is known for his distinctive clay murals, terracotta idols and contemporary clay-based designs, which blend traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic expression.

His passion for pottery and clay art was inherited from his late father, Ladu Shet. Amar further developed his technical skills through specialised training at the Central Village Pottery Institute in Khanapur, Karnataka.