VRTI - Block Printing Worksheds in Ajrakhpur :: Updates
Vivekanand Research and Training Institute is an NGO active in kutch and the nearby areas. They have provided tremendous service and support to these regions in many areas for the past 21 years. They have been, as always, at the forefront of relief and rehabilitative efforts and providing ready help to the people affected by the tragedy of the earthquake in Gujarat.
Of the many projects to help the victims of earthquake, one of the projects undertaken by VRTI is to help affected 116 families to get back to financial self-sufficiency by constructing for each of them a 400 sq.ft. structure to serve as house-cum-workshed. As a result of the earthquake, about 92 families of these artisans in Dhamanka village, and 24 others in the neighboring couple of villages suffered heavily. They not only lost their housing but also their only means of livelihood. Providing them with work- sheds would help them to become self- sufficient once again.
|
Ajrakh printing is a popular traditional art form of Kutch. The word "Ajrakh" means "keep it today". The Khatri community has been engaged in this craft for many centuries and the technique has been handed down from father to son. Main centres of printing are Dhamanka, Khavda and Bhuj. Champakali, Raiya, Kharek, Nipad, Grinari are the traditional designs used in painting. They are used on bed spreads, sarees, dress materials, pillow covers and table cloths. Each work shed structure costs about Rs. 1.1 lakh. Total cost for 116 such structures is about Rs. 1.27 crores or USD 271,500. 60% of this amount will go towards materials and the remaining will go towards labor cost. VIDE has decided to support the construction of 40 work sheds, i.e. 40 families. The project outlay for VIDE comes to about USD 50,000. |
 |
VRTI was founded by the visionary Mr.Kantisen Shroff in 1980. Starting off primarily in the area of cross-breeding of cattle and other animal husbandry efforts, they are now experienced in a wide range of areas. They include:
* Water Harvesting - rainwater harvesting, help with bore wells etc.
* Research and development in agriculture - providing better seeds, increasing
organic fertilizer awareness
* Employment generation program
* Watershed development program
* Training programs for teachers, handicraft artisans etc
* Health and hygiene
* Youth development
* Energy Conservation
* Collaborating with other organizations to share experiences and providing
the services of experienced workers in order to build-up the local volunteers'
knowledge and capabilities.
As can be seen from above, they lay a great emphasis on the empowerment of the people and long term rehabilitation rather in addition to immediate relief. It is this aspect that fits in very well with VIDE's long term goals.
Ajrakh printing methodology
The fabric is first destarched and degummed by washing. Washed cloth is
dipped in a solution of Myrobalan and dried. The fabric portion required
to retain the original white color is printed with a resist prepared by
using lime, gum and water. The red portion is printed with alum solution.
Portions not covered with resist absorb the blue color which acts as background
color. The black color is prepared by using molasses and bits of rusted
iron. In the "Minakari" process of printing, lime or clay resists is avoided
and the white portions of Ajrakh turn into light blue.
Project Beneficiaries Showing the Finished Products
VIDE Project Owner:
Priti Patil
Contact Information:
VRTI
Dr. M. V. Kanzaria / Mr. Himansu Dugar
E-mail: VRTI_mandvi@yahoo.com,vgsbatik@rediffmail.com
URL: http://www.vrti.org
HOME ABOUT US PROGRAMS VOLUNTEERS PARTNERS EVENTS MEDIA ARTICLES FAQ CONTACT US
© All Rights
Reserved.
Best viewed with 800 x 600 resolution