In an effort to promote unorganised artisans and create an opportunity for unemployed skilled handicraft workers, city-based NGO Rural Handicraft Organisation, inaugurated Grameena Angadi in the city on Thursday. The new outlet in Jayanagar sells products manufactured by rural areas in the state.
Speaking to reporters, member of Rural Handicraft Organisation B Rajashekara Murthy said, “Many artisans in rural areas live in pathetic conditions which are only aggravated by both the Central and state governments showing no interest in promotion of rural handicrafts.”
The Government of India stopped giving funds for rural handicrafts and the state government which grants funds for many projects, did not bother to conduct a handicraft exhibition which will only cost `25 to `50 lakh, he said.
The organisation has 200 members and personalities like freedom fighter Doreswamy, yesteryear actresses Arundhathi Nag and Bharathi Vishnuvaradhan are part of this initiative.
“The campaign aims to promote rural artisans who are disappearing due to the intervention of middlemen. Here, we give discounts to public and ensure that maximum prices are given to artisans,” Murthy said.
Arundhathi Nag said middle-class people must awaken to this movement and make a collective effort to make use khadi, instead of opting for materials which maybe fashionable, but are not skin-friendly.
“It should be a matter of social conscience from the society. These materials are time-tested and we cannot dispute the good quality of khadi. Polyester and nylon are best suited for other countries and are not favorable here. The present generation has to wear khadi and make it fashionable,” she added.