The village of Barakhama, Orissa is home to a tribal community called ‘’Ghasi’’. Mostly landless, the Ghasi people depend on infrequent projects of the government for labour work and livelihood. Many migrate in search of work. However, under these dismal conditions lies a beautiful tradition of handcrafting dokhra products.
Ghasi families have historically been producing black dhokra items such as tribal ornaments and other items of utility in designs inspired by tribal culture and tradition. A lack of innovation, adaptation and modernization has caused a dip in the competitiveness of these products in the market. However, black dhokra produced in Barakhama still has a good demand in metropolitan cities given their antique finish.
Barakhama is slowly attempting to regain its glory as a crafts village and Darbar Sahitya Sansad (DSS) is an organisation that is undertaking a project to promote livelihoods for dokhra artisans. This project aims at developing the skills of the artisans with a special focus on youth, providing assistance with design, as well as the provision of forward and backward linkages for the sale of quality products.
With regard to the above project, DSS seeks a loan of Rs. 500000/- for meeting working capital needs such as training costs, purchase of materials and payment of wages. These funds will help improve the livelihoods of nearly 33 artisans, revive a dying art form and also bring youth into the folds of regional culture.
Invest in the lives of the dokhra artisans. Invest in a better future for a tribal community in India.
The moratorium period for this project is 3 months and the loan will be repaid in a duration of 24 months.
The village of Barakhama, Orissa is home to a tribal community called ‘’Ghasi’’. Mostly landless, the Ghasi people depend on infrequent projects of the government for labour work and livelihood. Many migrate in search of work. However, under these dismal conditions lies a beautiful tradition of handcrafting dokhra products.
Ghasi families have historically been producing black dhokra items such as tribal ornaments and other items of utility in designs inspired by tribal culture and tradition. A lack of innovation, adaptation and modernization has caused a dip in the competitiveness of these products in the market. However, black dhokra produced in Barakhama still has a good demand in metropolitan cities given their antique finish.
Barakhama is slowly attempting to regain its glory as a crafts village and Darbar Sahitya Sansad (DSS) is an organisation that is undertaking a project to promote livelihoods for dokhra artisans. This project aims at developing the skills of the artisans with a special focus on youth, providing assistance with design, as well as the provision of forward and backward linkages for the sale of quality products.
With regard to the above project, DSS seeks a loan of Rs. 500000/- for meeting working capital needs such as training costs, purchase of materials and payment of wages. These funds will help improve the livelihoods of nearly 33 artisans, revive a dying art form and also bring youth into the folds of regional culture.
Invest in the lives of the dokhra artisans. Invest in a better future for a tribal community in India.
The moratorium period for this project is 3 months and the loan will be repaid in a duration of 24 months.
