Madurai is one of the major districts of Tamil Nadu State. Madurai is surrounded by several mountains. The Madurai city has 3 hills as its city boundary. Yanaimalai, Nagamalai, Pasumalai named after Elephant, Snake and Cow respectively. It is famous for Jasmine Flowers. Jasmine flowers are transported to other cities of India from Madurai. Madurai is culturally as rich as Athens of Greece and is known as the Athens of the East.This District is home to a Producer Organisation of 150+ members who excel in Jute and Cloth Crafts and we were glad to meet some of them on the 22nd and 23rd of Feb 2021. They have a good number of different products and designs made out of Jute and cloth which is so very much required for the environment. The members were very passionate about their work with a remarkable vision for their Organisation. The interactions were very lively and interesting; the focus of their work revolving around their vision was something really noteworthy.
Sangrur district is in the state of Punjab in northern India. While reportedly established around 400 years ago by a Jat called Sanghu, settlements in Sangrur trace back to the pre-Harappan period. Recent excavations in Rohira in Sangrur have revealed a 10-metre high mound with settlements dating back to 2300 BC. Excavations from Mard Khera village have led to the discovery of pottery from the Harappan period. Remnants of pottery from the Kushan period have also been discovered.
Some members of a Producer Organization with 150 members, who are masters of Phulkari and Hand Embroidery Work assembled on the 17th and 18th February 2021 to interact with us. The organised way in which these artisans work and manage the affairs of their organization was really satisfying to watch. The fire inside them to promote their centuries’ old craft was very much evident in their conversations with us; it was simply worth something to look up to. A great experience to say the least!
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In the beautiful Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh literally translated as “land of dawn-lit mountains”, lies the district of Lower Subansiri. The name of the District is derived from the Subansiri river, a tributary of Mighty Brahmaputra that flows through Raga Circle of that District. Located in this district at the altitude of 2400 metres, Talley is a plateau with dense forest of silver fir trees, pine clad plateau of beautiful grandeur, and a vast wasteland. The area has some of the most important endangered species including the clouded leopard.
On the 27th and 28th of January 2021, we had a great opportunity to interact with some of the members from a Producer Organization of 120+ members who are experts in traditional Handloom weaving. The colorful designs and colour combinations of their products were a treat to watch and so was their response towards the interactions that we had. They were extremely elated with the experience of interacting with us over a period of 2 days. Although virtual, it was indeed a great experience to be with them
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Located in the central part of Karnataka, Shimoga city is the district headquarters of the Shimoga district. It has been renamed officially as Shivamogga, meaning Shiva-Mukha or “Face of Shiva”. Throughout the different eras, Shimoga has been ruled by various dynasties such as Chalukyas, Kadambas, Gangas, and Hoysals. Vast paddy fields and several waterfalls enrich the landscape in and around this city. With its breath-taking natural beauty and amazing man-made structures, Shimoga is a traveller’s paradise.
A new Producer Organization was formed in the month of November in this district and on the 21st and 22nd of December 2020, we were so glad to converse with them at this critical juncture of their company when they have just started operations. Starting with approximately a 100 members, they are well on their way to increase the numbers as they go about adding more artisans to their organization. Since the set up is not yet completed, the artisans made arrangements to gather together in a small room and interact with us. The enthusiasm shown by the astisans to learn something new despite the limited facilities truly inspired us!