Letter to the Editor of a Newspaper about the Situation of Indian Handicrafts

Lotus Apartments,

Bandra,

Mumbai – 400 050.

3rd January, 2011

The Editor,

Mumbai Times,

Fort,

Mumbai – 400 023.

Subject: Condition of Indian handicraft artisans

Sir,

Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org

As everyone knows, Indian handicrafts are popular worldwide for their exquisite craftsmanship and immense variety. It is estimated that India’s 9.6 million craftsmen contribute 3.3 billion dollars to the Indian economy. Besides, handicrafts not only provide a source of part-time income to seasonal farmers and rural women, but also help prevent artisans from migrating to overcrowded cities.

It is indeed ironical, therefore, that these humble and unassuming torch-bearers of India’s rich cultural heritage, whose works often adorn the houses of the rich and the fashionable, themselves live in such abject penury that they find it difficult to make both ends meet.

It is high time the government, as well as non-profit NGOs, took the initiative of lending them a helping hand. This could be done by assisting them monetarily, providing them with more congenial workplaces, and enabling them to showcase their products in appropriate business platforms. Steps should also be taken to ensure that they are not exploited by unscrupulous middle-men, and that they get a just price for their products.

We have ignored these artisans long enough. Let us delay no more.

Yours faithfully,

Ganesh Srivastav