Celebrating NGO That Support Textile Industries of India On The Frontlines
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Celebrating NGO That Support Textile Industries of India On The Frontlines

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!  

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Kala Raksha – a place for handmade art forms
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Kala Raksha – a place for handmade art forms

Kala Raksha, meaning the preservation of art is an organization formed by Prakash Bhanani in 1993 in Kutch, to preserve traditional art forms of India that are slowly fading in the current scenario. The NGO consists of artisans, community members, rural management and museum. They are a group of 1000’s of women artisans, who expertise in traditional art forms of India traditional art works, especially embroidery. The embroidery artisans of this organization have been carrying out this work for several years now, where they decorate fabric with explicit designs done with needle and thread. Embroidery is a traditional art form with minimal investment done with basic tools like thread, needle, fabric and embroidery hoops. This includes use of needle, threads on the fabric to form, deform or cut holes which are then embellished with embroidery. These designs are curated with inspirations from nature and lifestyle. The organization is Gujarat based, hence the main focus is on Kutch embroidery which is he traditional embroidery of Gujarat. Kala Raksha aims to collect artisans from different regions, preserve the art form and make it a source of income for them. The traditional art form being Kutch embroidery, is categorised into Khaarek, Paako, Rabari, Suf, Garasia, Jat and Mutava patterened embroideries. Using these embroideries the artisans have now started making face masks for the on going pandemic of Covid 19. These handmade embroidery masks which are double layered are made in Rabari embroidered Khadi cotton. Different techniques of embroidery has been applied. Kala Raksha’s main aim is to promote “buy local” to the crowd, as facemasks are very essential during this time. Embroidery patterns like Suf, a triangle based embroidery pattern; Khaarek, a geomteric embroidery pattern; Paako, embroidery done using chain and buttonhole stitch; Rabari, mirror work done in squares and Jat, which shows Islamic patterns. Kala Raksha, tries to bring the latest designs with traditional embroideries by changing fashion trends in the market. They now also have established a local school for designing to encourage such art and the embroidery artisans. The oraganization also has a museum, foe people to experience these artifacts.These embroidery artisans have been making traditional art form a profession and the rest, a hobby. Kala Raksha – a place for handmade art forms

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