KOCHITHIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Now techies can flaunt Karthumbi umbrellas, Attapadi’s own brand of umbrellas, before monsoon season. Some of the umbrella models named Red Daisy, Midnight Blue, Red Cardinal and Misty Meadow from Karthumbi will be available for sale on May 24. Karthumbi offers these three-fold umbrellas which are at par with the others in the market. Each umbrella costs Rs 350 a piece. Each of those umbrellas is handmade with materials imported from South Korea.
Prathidhwani, the socio-cultural organisation of IT employees is organising the sales in the capital. Those interested in buying umbrellas have to pre-order it by paying Rs 100 before April 28.
“A coupon will be issued against the payment. If the buyer is particular about any colour, do mention it while purchasing the pre-sales coupon. Rest of the amount ie; Rs 250 can be paid at the time of delivery,” says Rajeev Krishnan of Prathidhwani.
According to him, it is an opportunity to support the venture which plans to bring the tribal society to the forefront by uplifting their pride and confidence.
Tribal brand pride
Karthumbi brand was started jointly by tribal voluntary organisation ‘Thambu’ and the social media initiative ‘Peace Collective’. The collective is now making umbrellas branded Karthumbi across the state. The venture became a reality after 50 tribal women were trained in umbrella making. In 2016, the team had manufactured around 1,000 umbrellas by collecting capital from 17 people. Apart from repaying the loans, each woman was able to earn a daily wage of Rs 500 to Rs 700. Owing to such a great start, the confident team has obtained capital through loan and is planning to sell around 15,000 Karthumbi umbrellas in the beginning of the season itself.
The women who are part of this venture have never used an umbrella even once in their life. “We used to seek shelter under trees and temporary sheds when it rained. We hope this new start will change our lives,” says Lakshmi Unnikrishnan, a trainer.
Two years ago, this housewife from Dasanoor village was trained in umbrella making. She now trains other women in her village. A member earns Rs 50 to Rs 70 for each umbrella they make. On a normal day, each member makes eight to ten umbrellas. This provides a sustainable income to thirty families in the village. This season around 300 women will get training. Karthumbi plans to sell 30,000 umbrellas during the monsoon season of 2017. It targets to capture a 10% market share by the end of 2022.