A piece of stationary bought from a shop on Nandidurg Road assures a better future for Rohan, an 8-year-old mentally challenged boy far away in Jaipur.
Likewise, there are many such children and families which are getting benefitted and living a contented life, thanks to ‘Under the Tree’, a platform for artisans and weavers from across the country to showcase their creativity.
According to Neelima Lal Hembram, who came up with the idea in 2012, the sole purpose of the craft studio was to provide a platform for artisans from all over India to exhibit their exclusive products. "This idea was always in the back of my mind. It got emboldened ever since I worked on projects to help the weavers with designs and quality control under the Commissioner of handlooms, ministry of textiles and Oxfam, an NGO of Oxford trust," she said.
A 1998 graduate from NIFT, Neelima spent close to 25 years working with weavers from Andhra Pradesh and her focus has been to sell products made by artisans who don't get a platform. "It is not just rural artisans, but a lot of people who get exploited on a daily basis. When I worked closely with weavers, I realised they are exploited. Through this initiative, I want to give them their rights. We procure from these artisans and while doing so, we give them the profit, unlike others who buy at the cost price and later share small amounts in the name of profit," she said.
Even though the market for handcrafted products is very small in Bangalore, Neelima says that more and more people are opting for them as they realise that it in support of a cause. "Awareness about these people needs to be spread. I understand that machine-made products are cheaper but then what about our artisans? A lot of people feel that these products are expensive and hence don't buy them. But we should understand that it is helping someone secure a future," she added.
Understanding well that the artisans need to be observed constantly, Neelima ensures that she works closely with them in helping them understand how important it is to work according to the latest trends to be sustainable in the current market and also empower them with quality control and other related training while maintaining their traditional craft.
Neelima says that the biggest challenge she faces is to motivate the artisans on a regular basis. "We need to constantly encourage them so that they do not go back to their previous lives and continue with their craft coming out of their comfort level and work more professionally," she said.
NGOs with which Neelima works and the products that are available at the store
Paruthi - An Organic Cotton Line by Upasana Auroville- Pondicherry. They supply organic Tunics, Turkish Trousers, Skirts, Bolero Jackets and even few designs of men's wear also
Hands Of India from Vrindaban. They supply Phulkari work, Chikan work, Sojni work, Kantha work, Mirror work Kurtas and Sarees
Umang, based in Jaipur working with mentally challenged children. They supply diaries, cards, wine bags for gifting, mouse pads and cut diaries
Karaga, based in Andhra Pradesh. They supply Ikat fabric, handloom cotton Ikat and handloom Silk Ikat Sarees