Celebrating NGOs on the Frontlines of India’s Textile Renaissance

Celebrating NGOs on the Frontlines of India’s Textile As the world commemorates NGO Day on February 27th, we shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes driving change within India’s vibrant textile industry. Beyond the intricate weaves and rich hues lies a tapestry of stories where NGOs play a pivotal role in preserving heritage, empowering artisans, and fostering sustainable practices. Join us as we delve into the inspiring initiatives and impactful interventions that are weaving a brighter future for Indian textiles, one thread at a time.

The artisans of Indian handlooms and handicrafts could use all the assistance they can get. These NGOs and organisations are making a small effort to prevent the extinction of these ancient customs.

1. Aadyam Handwoven

An initiative of the Aditya Birla Group, Aadyam Handwoven is a social cause that attempts to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for the most gifted artisans in the country. They currently work with three weaver communities in India: Varanasi, Pochampally, and Bhuj. The organization helps weavers by opening up new markets and ensuring benefits that will create value for the community.

2. 200 Million Artisans

This initiative is dedicated to the 200 million people who depend on craft for their livelihood. As an impact-first ecosystem enabler, they partner with organisations to generate insight and inspire action that will benefit the artisan ecosystem. They have registered a huge impact through their work, with 30+ fundraisers showcased, raising $30,000 and positively influencing 10,000 artisans across 13 states.

3. Creative Dignity

Creative Dignity is a movement that has brought together over 500 diverse creative producers, small enterprises, civil society organisations and professionals to support artisans and uplift them, particularly in the COVID-19 era. They focus on providing relief and work towards the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of artisans to ensure their sustainable prosperity.

4. All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association

All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA) is a membership-based non-profit organisation, AIACA was established in 2004. Ever since, they have been working towards the preservation of India’s diverse handloom and handicraft sectors. AIACA engages in policy research and advocacy, implementing a range of programmes that uplift craft producers, and provide them with access to mainstream markets.

5. Dastkari Haat Samiti

This is a national association of craftsperson’s that hail from regions all over India. Jaya Jaitley, a social and political activist, established it in 1986. Since then, it has helped artisans gain the dignity and self-confidence to have their own voice. Today, the collective has more than 1,600 members, including individual artists and organisations. They are also the brain behind the ever-popular Dilli Haat, a haat-style market located in India’s capital city, that helps traditional artisans market their products.

6. Craft Revival Trust

The Craft Revival Trust, established in 1999, is a non-profit organisation that has been relentlessly working towards the revival of folk art, crafts, and textiles, and their practitioners. Some of their most prominent initiatives include Asia InCH, under which there has been the creation of an encyclopedia and resource base for the craft and textile sector. Researchers, students, and customers from all over the world can easily access the information, which is also a repository of knowledge for artisans and weavers.

7. Industree Foundation

Started in 2000, the Industree Foundation tackles poverty through the creation of an ownership-based, organised creative manufacturing ecosystem for women. The organisation works with women entrepreneurs and artisans, particularly those who belong to the marginalised communities in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and even Ethiopia. Through their interventions, the Foundation has impacted over 50,00,000 producers over the last two decades. Moreover, they have created markets worth USD 58 million.

That is how this year we are celebrating World NGO Day; we are reminding the nation about those silent heroes who are making the textiles and crafting industries better for the world!