The weavers and artisans in North Karnataka have reason cheer. Otherwise neglected, they will now have an organisation striving for their uplift. ‘Desi’ a charitable trust involving reputed artists, writers, fashion designers and social activists has set up a shop at Dharwad to encourage the rural artisans and weavers.
Renowned director M S Satyu will inaugurate the shop at Sanghamitra premises in yalakkishettar colony on Pune-Bangalore road in Dharwad on Sunday.
Managing trustee and noted theatre personality T Prasanna said the Desi shop, besides being a centre to promote the interest of weavers and artisans, would also act also as a cultural and literary centre offering ambience to such activities.
An off shoot of ‘Charaka’ launched by Ninasam of Heggodu, Desi stands for Developing Ecologically Sustainable Industry.
It was launched in 2000 with M S Satyu, T Prasanna, Jayanthi Marulasiddappa, Poonam Bir Kasturi and Chandrashekhar among others as trustees.
The DESI shops have already become well known landmarks in Bangalore and Mysore for naturally dyed handloom garments. “We act like a bridge with the cities for several handloom societies, handicraft producers and women’s self-help groups” Prasanna said.
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The Dharwad shop will have readymade garments from indigenous handloom sector located at Ilkal, Rabakavi, Banahatti and other places in North Karnataka. It is expected to give a big boost to the weavers who lack marketing techniques.
Prasanna said the response from the people for Desi goods has been tremendous and the organization had registered a turn over of Rs 2.5 crore last year.
The weavers providing material would be paid remunerative price for the product and in addition are given development fund from the profits earned by the Trust.
Prasanna said Desi works in three of the four sectors of weaving- Cotton handloom, Cotton Khadi and Woolen handloom.
It does not work in silk weaving as it has some reservation about its processing method.