INDIA: Celebrating India, leading telecom operator Vi launched its unique initiative, Artisans of India. This special initiative celebrated the craftsmanship and skills of local artisans, adding a vibrant touch across the country.

Vi helped provide a platform to over 60 talented artisans across its stores in multiple states. Vi Stores in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, New Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat collaborated with local NGOs to showcase artisans’ work to the public.  

These artisans, working with various crafts and traditions, showcased hand-painted bags, chikankari embroidery, paintings, toys, decorated diyas, and more.

Some NGOs Vi partnered with for this initiative included Universal Smile, ESSCENT, Astha Foundation’s Parivartan School for Specially-Abled Children, Shwwas Samiti-Swastik Handicraft Women Welfare Association, Disha Shakti Swayam Sahayta Samooh, and RAFEC. At Kolkata’s South City store, Universal Smile showcased hand-painted cloth bags made by women, with proceeds supporting an orphanage, while in Gujarat, the Astha Foundation worked with specially-abled children to create and showcase decorated Diyas.

This reflects Vi’s commitment to supporting local communities and preserving the rich artistic heritage of India. Through the Artisans of India initiative, Vi paid tribute to the cultures that unite us all. Vi remains committed to uplifting the artisans and craftsmen who contribute richly to the fabric of the nation.

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The Badarwas Jacket Cluster, distinguished by its unique and organic growth, has emerged as a vibrant hub with many engaged in jacket production and related activities. Unlike conventional industrial hubs, this cluster has organically blossomed from the sheer grit and dedication of its female workforce. Recognizing the need to further enhance the cluster’s capabilities and capitalize on the increasing demand for jackets, the Ministry of Rural Development, GoI, promoted a Producers’ Company under the National Rural Economic Transformation Project which is owned and managed by women artisans of Badarwas, thus allowing them to become shareholders of their company.

EDII is implementing this cluster development project in association with Madhya Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Mission.

“This initiative by the Ministry of Rural Development goes beyond skill training. It empowers the women through the establishment of a Producers Company, owned and managed by them. This significant step transforms them from mere job workers into entrepreneurs and shareholders in their own company, fostering self-reliance and economic independence.” explained Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.

Scheduled from February 13 to 18, 2024, a training program on ‘quality appreciation’, salesmanship, and visual merchandising was organized at EDII Campus for 19 women artisans from the Badarwas Cluster. It offered a dynamic platform for participants to enhance their skills and knowledge. The comprehensive curriculum covered fabric manufacturing intricacies, sales marketing strategies, and brand-building essentials.

During the four-day practical sessions at the NIFT campus, participants underwent rigorous training on fabric checks, quality parameters, and packaging techniques.

It was followed by, a two-day training module at the EDII campus that will delve into entrepreneurship basics, costing and pricing strategies, sales techniques, resource mobilization, and compliance management.

Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Project Director and Faculty, EDII, said, “By leveraging the expertise of NIFT, we aim to enhance the skill sets of these women artisans and provide them with the necessary tools to become successful entrepreneurs in the long run. We believe that empowering women artisans with the right skills is key to unlocking the full potential of the Badarwas Jacket Cluster.”

Badarwas Jacket Cluster, nestled in the heart of Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of local women to carve out a sustainable livelihood.

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KesarTV.com reported that this initiative marks a crucial milestone in the region’s developmental journey. Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, RR Bhatnagar, and Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of Central Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, jointly inaugurated the scheme.

The scheme envisioned to offer accreditation, training, tool kits, certification, marketing support, and easy credit facilities, garnered praise as a pivotal step towards self-employment aligned with industrial demands. It is set to expand across other districts following its successful launch in Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting the significance of the scheme, Bhatnagar expressed pride in Jammu and Kashmir being at the forefront of its implementation. He underscored the Central Government’s support in realizing the vision of empowering artisans and fostering their economic independence.

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, initiated by the central government in September of the previous year, offers artisans 5 to 7 days of basic training and 15 days or more of advanced training, accompanied by certification and ID cards. Participants also receive daily stipends and modern toolkits worth Rs. 15,000.

The launch of the scheme echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing its inclusion in the priority list for developmental initiatives. The implementation of the Vishwakarma scheme underscores a strong message of progress and empowerment for the region.

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