Thanjavur, India (CU)_ In his latest Mann ki Baat radio speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Thanjavur administration’s efforts to establish a handicrafts kiosk in order to encourage the sales of handmade artifact items created by women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
The ‘Tharagaigal Kaivinai Porutkal Virpanai Angadi’ project of the women’s SHG was opened a couple of months ago. The shop, which was established in the train station, has so far made sales for INR 2 lakh. According to collector Dinesh Ponraj Oliver, the SHGs are talented artisans. However, he acknowledged that marketing was difficult for them. He added, “So, we had to open a store for the handcrafted items and employ women from other SHGs to help with marketing and sales.”
In addition to GI goods such as Thanjavur-special dolls and bronze lamps, the ladies also make toys, mats, purses, and artificial jewelry. The collector revealed plans to expand the production. He said, “We hope to open two more stores shortly and many more over the next few months across the city. These handicrafts are currently produced by 28 groups and we have plans to increase the production”.
Modi explained about a gift given to him by a self-help organization in Thanjavur in order to demonstrate the inventiveness and creative ability of the country’s citizens. Modi said, “This gift bears the fragrance of Indianness and the blessings of Matri-Shakti – a glimpse of her affection for me. This is a special Thanjavur doll, which also has a GI tag. I offer special thanks to the Thanjavur self-help group for sending me this gift imbued in the local culture”.
