A 17-year old class 12 economics student Rhea Bakshi’s first documentary “India’s Treasures” was awarded at the New York International Film Awards, in the best student film category. It was the only film from India to be awarded with the finalist laurel.
“India’s Treasures” is an exploratory journey into the world of one of India’s traditional art forms – handmade silver jewellery.
The handicraft sector in India plays a vital role in driving the country’s economy, employing over 7 million artisans and impacting the livelihoods of over 200 million people. The documentary emphasizes the need to celebrate these artisans and preserve their unique skills – the true treasures of India’s heritage – underscoring the power of sustainable development where everyone can contribute and earn with fair and equal access to resources and opportunities.
The film documents the diverse jewellery-making styles – Orissa’s fine filigree work, Jaipur’s art of enamelling (meenakari मीनाकारी ), and the setting of semi-precious stones in Old Delhi (jadau जड़ाऊ).
It also showcases how the sector is empowering disadvantaged women through skill-building.
Viewers will discover the impact of globalisation, mass-manufacturing, and e-commerce platforms on this noble art form and the promise it holds for the next generation.
A class 12 economics student; in her first documentary Rhea also discusses microcredit facility as a solution.
The film concludes with the artisans’ deep desire to continue their age-held craft and their expectation of a secure future for their children.
Painting the silver to make colourful idols. 
A silver artisan at work in his humble abode 
The work table of a silver artist 
Fine chiselling 
Fine work on silver to complete the finishing 
Fine work on silver to complete the finishing 
Tiny pieces that go into a silver piece. We see bangles and the cone that is used to add colour to them. We also see tiny decorative pieces being added to the bangles 
Trial by fire. This proces is common to silver and gold jewellery
All images are screen grabs from the documentary. Rights with Rhea Bakshi.