Just hectic here - wow
The following couple of weeks at AIACA were really hectic with reviewing applications for AEDAP and visiting some of the short listed organizations in Orissa.
AEDAP (Artisan Enterprise Development Alliance Program) was developed in partnership with Aid to Artisans (www.aidtoartisans.org, an international crafts support NGO based in the US) to enhance capacity in design development and connecting to the global marketplace. After a competitive process, selected groups must make a financial commitment (small percentage of program costs) to attend workshops in developing more commercially viable product lines and receive additional marketing support.
Located on the east coast of India, just below Kolkata in West Bengal, Orissa is predominantly a rural state and home to over 60 different tribes, many of which have retained their traditional heritage, religious thoughts and values. Known as the land of enchanting beauty, Orissa is famous for exquisite handicrafts namely silver filigree, appliqué, Dhokra (bronze work), terracotta, stone arts as well as Pattachitra, a form of folk painting which is also used to decorate houses. It was quite interesting to learn that roles are gender specific. For example women are responsible for weaving and appliqué (usually in their home, occasionally in a central location), while only men focus on stone, dhokra and terracotta (in a formalized production center). As many of the women we met in the villages are trained as artisans to supplement the agricultural income of their families, they become more financially independent and receive more social recognition. Since Oriya is the official language and few people speak English, I was quite happy to have a colleague join me for the visits and to conduct the interviews in Hindi.
Some of the districts in Orissa are subject to intense cyclones and/or floods for months during the year. While some people are able to remain in their homes and travel by boat, others have to head for government funded housing. The government of India classifies citizens based on their social and economic condition. Artisans we reach are part of the backwards class and include Scheduled Castes (Dalits/ untouchables) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Constituting around 50% of India’s population, they are entitled to reservations in public sector employment and higher education in a movement towards self-empowerment. The last category of backwards class is Scheduled Tribes (Adivasi/ aboriginals). Because they reside deep in the jungles, forests and mountains of India away from the main population, we did not encounter any of them, though tours are available to capture a glimpse of their way of life.
As a final note, I must admit, after the 15 hour direct flight from Newark to Mumbai last month, I was worried about the 24 hour train ride from Delhi to Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, as I had never spent close to that amount of time on a train before. Surrounded by kids- 3 in our compartment and 2 in adjoining ones, we were a far cry from the quiet car on the Acella, so productivity was much lower than anticipated. Nevertheless the scenery was spectacular and it was definitely an eye opening cultural experience interacting with the other travelers. Traveling back to Delhi from Kolkata, there was a noticeable change in the wealth of the farmers, as tractors and other equipment were used as opposed to all work being performed by hand in the areas we visited.