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| On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti observed on April 14, our suburbs residents paid tribute to the father of the Indian ,A child being led by her mother towards the traditional kanni, which means good omen, so that they experience prosperity through the year |
IDC Powai and IGNOU invited suggestions from traditional craftsmen so that they could put together an interesting and comprehensive course on bamboo crafts. Janaki Krishnamoorthi found that the artisans have had to struggle to stay afloat in this competitive world, even though the gift industry in India holds great potential
Nungshirenba, a traditional craftsman from Nagaland, inherited the art of weaving
bamboo and spends most part of his day making gift items including vases, wall
hangings, mugs, trays, pen stands and coasters, in his small unit. Prabhudas Chawan
belongs to a family of farmers, but makes ends meet by creating bamboo articles
while he works with an NGO called Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra in Lavada, Maharashtra.
Bhubol Singh from Manipur has to his credit the state award in 2000 for his cane
and bamboo peacock throne.
Like these artisans, there are over 13 lakh bamboo artisans in India and some
of them came to the Industrial Design Centre (IDC), Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT), Powai, last week to attend a workshop organised by IDC and Indira Gandhi
National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.
Educationists, NGOs and experts in bamboo craft were also present to deliberate
on the contents of a certificate course on bamboo craft to be introduced soon
by IGNOU. These artisans who have stuck to their traditions, were exposed to some
new strategies on new product designs, timesaving technologies, etc. IDC has been
involved in such training sessions for nearly two decades now.
"There is a great scope for bamboo products in urban areas and abroad. The
gift market in India is estimated to be worth around Rs 10 crores. We are also
looking at the utility product segment like office stationery, household items,
furniture, etc. ,which could be used to create profits. In our country, unemployment
is a major problem. Therefore, self-employment generating avenues like bamboo
craft should be promoted," opines Prof AG Rao of IDC, who is coordinating
the project. According to estimates, there are about 3000 bamboo craftsmen in
Mumbai, living in small groups in Parel, Sewri, Madh Island and Versova.
Bamboo products are generally sold through government emporia or at exhibitions.
But lately, some departmental stores and boutiques such as Trimourti Emporium
in the World Trade Centre, Eco Corner in Worli, Indian Cane House in Crawford
market and Contemporary Art, Nepeansea Road are also keeping these products.
Anyone can do their best to help these artisans. Those who would like to give
an ethnic touch to their home could opt for bamboo products. The range of products
is limited but contains a legacy of traditional arts. They are produced by skilled
craftsmen and tribals in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Karnataka and Kerala.
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