The imagery that flashes in one’s mind when talked about Telangana weavers – in most cases – is one of disillusionment and forced deaths. But wait, that’s not all. Here’s a weavers community backed by committed NGOs that literally weaved a success story.
Owned by 470 IKAT weavers from Pochampally-Choutuppal region of Nalgonda district, Chenetha Color Weaves – CCW celebrates first anniversary of its retail outlet Karghaa from 3-6th July. The clothing brand was given a figurative tag line ‘the hands on weaves’. IKAT – a textile technique involves making patterns by tying and dyeing the yarn prior to weaving.
- Karghaa first anniversary poster
Prior to 2005, the weavers were threatened by rapid industrialisation and struggling to keep pace with the changing markets and demand. They were in the news for all wrong reasons. To save their age-old art and themselves from extinction, the weavers from about 20 villages under the guidance of CCW, have organised themselves into 47 groups and are trained in dyeing, designing and quality control measures to meet the market demand and expectations.
The CCW has been working to generate equitable and sustainable livelihoods for handloom weaver communities by linking them with contemporary markets through enhanced incomes, ownership, knowledge and skills. The CCW has opened its retail outlet – Karghaa – last year catering to clothing needs of people from all walks of life.