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Paramparik Karigar was born out of a dream, and even more
importantly, an impending disaster. In the 1980s, traditional Indian
arts, crafts and weaves were already in danger of disappearing –
dying art forms, exploitative middlemen, decline of interest in
and awareness about these ancient crafts and a steady loss of next
generation craftspeople to alternative employment were some of the
reasons behind it. Roshan Kalapesi and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay,
who were both already engaged in supporting and furthering the
cause of traditional crafts, were approached by a small group of
craftsmen to help start an organisation that would protect their
interests. The two redoubtable women acceded to their request and,
thus, in 1996, the Paramparik Karigar was formed.
What, then, is Paramparik Karigar? It is an organisation, nay a haven,
to nurture crafts, a safe place for next generation craftsmen to learn
and practise traditional crafts, a medium that eliminates the burden of
the middleman, a platform for indigenous crafts and an organisation
that seeks out and showcases lesser-known but deserving traditional
craft processes. To this we can add identifying and nurturing dying
arts, crafts and weaves, creating an environment where engaging
in these activities as a way of livelihood is made sustainable, and
spreading knowledge and awareness about our heritage and history.
Paramparik Karigar is not just a craft collective; it is a concerted
effort, a movement to revive, preserve and nurture our traditional
crafts. To this end, the organisation holds exhibition-cum-sales
of arts, crafts and textiles at least twice a year, where buyers can
directly engage with the craftsmen and purchase the products. The
organisation ensures that a variety of carefully curated artisans are
represented at these events. The exhibitions not only provide the
craftsmen an income but also give them a platform for exposure that
brings them to the public eye and leads them to avenues that give
them a steady income. Thus, a Paramparik Karigar exhibition is not
just a shopping experience, but it’s an expression of a philosophy, an
ethos, a way of life.
Introduction
Paramparik Karigar
