Jeevan Jyoti Cluster Story
Jeevan Jyoti Cluster level federation is an aggregation of around 50 SHGs consisting of more than 500 rural craftswomen from the villages of district Udhamsingh Nagar, Uttarakhand. Villages mainly from Khatima block are Saijana, Paheniya, Bhudakisni, Fulaiya, Shabaura, and Uldhan.
Women artisans Shiksha Rana, Kamlesh, and so on, Head these SHGs which are formed under NRLM schemes and currently are getting marketing exposure through the Uttarakhand Handicraft Symposium program initiated at the district level.
The crafting of these handwoven grass products is a traditional art form being practiced for very long. Earlier women used to make these products only for self-use at home and not for sale. These (mainly dalia - a huge basket with finely woven religious designs) are gifted during weddings, forming an intrinsic part of their culture and traditions. The grasses mainly used are moonj, kans, punja and panheria. These grow at the banks of the river and are available to harvest once a year for a time period of a month just after the rainy seasons. Due to the presence of insects and snakes, the harvesting of these grasses is of great risk and sometimes women end up having bites and injuries. The grass is washed, dyed and then dried under the sunlight. The grasses are stored by wrapping it inside the cotton cloth to avoid yellowing. This way stock is made available for use for the whole year until the next season.
With the intervention of the Government with various initiatives like NRLM both at the state and national level, Self Help Groups (SHGs) of these women were formed. Here, SHG is registered and also receives funds to help them with its production activities. Also, workshops are held wherein women receive training in product innovation and designing.
Women here, take out some time from the agricultural and household activities and devote it to craft these beautiful handicrafts. As said earlier women used to make these handicrafts only for self-use. But after the training, these women artisans now make a variety of home decor and home furnishing products like tea coasters, baskets, trays, paperweights, mats, hotpot, flower vase and so on. They mostly sell through government-sponsored exhibitions. When interviewed a few women artisans, they all said that they are not receiving due credit for their work as agents/middleman bargain and they end up selling products at a much lower price. But somehow they are continuing with the craft as this forms part of their culture and also by making some earnings from the sale, they are able to help their families and provide good education to their children.
More awareness among the consumers is required as these grass products are eco-friendly and promote sustainable living. Also, a proper marketing channel would allow them to have more money in their pockets which can then be used to develop capacities and improve their standard of living.
