11
Chandrabai’s Memories
“We were many women all in the same
difficulties and he always took all of us
along with him. No one was ever ignored
or left behind.
In the very early days of REHWA when we
were all considerably poor and would get
tired from weaving, we ladies would sit
together and rest. We once said to him,
“you know, we usually drink some tea at
this time”. So Ganesh started a little fund
for tea and we all contributed. That’s how
things were in those days.”
She remembers his support when her
son was ill and later when he passed
away. She retreated to weave in her
home for a while in sadness. Then, when
she was stronger, Ganesh sent her a
letter, appointing her ‘head lady weaver’
in REHWA. Chandrabai
retained that
position until she retired and always
blessed Ganesh for gently drawing her
away from her grief and into a very
important role in the weaver community.
Ganesh’s conduct with everyone was
always the same. The way he lived and
worked was the way he managed REHWA
and it was what REHWA itself became for
many years: a gentle, reliable handloom
weaving organisation, renowned for its
quality and design; but never ‘shouting’
about it.
Chandrabai’s son, Sunil, worked as a unit
in-charge at REHWA for many years and
now runs his own business.
Sunil
says, “Whatever Ganesh taught you,
you remembered forever. And he was
willing to guide every weaver at all times.
The weaver never forgot the lessons
taught by Ganesh. When I was thinking
of starting a supply store for weaving
equipment, he immediately supported
me and said, “
Beta
, your ancestors were
involved in this business, you must do
your best to take it forward, make it last,
make it the very best you can.”
