Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu), Jan 3 - The Federation of South India Producer Associations (SIPA) has tied up with the National Institute of Fashion Design to train tribes from Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu to use new designs in traditional handicrafts.The project, known as 'Vazhndhu Kaatuvom' (will live and show you), will create societies for the artisans in Cuddalore, some 400 km south of state capital Chennai.'It aims at reducing poverty and empowering the poor and marginalized,' says project manager S. Rajan Babu.Cuddalore district collector Rajendra Ratnoo asked the media at an interactive workshop in Cuddalore to tell local tribal groups about the various schemes of the state government for development of handicrafts.The state will be the 'facilitator' for the skill-enhancement programme, he said.'The administration will help the tribal people get high-quality beads, cane and other ingredients for their handicrafts. It will also assist in marketing their produce across India and in foreign markets,' Ratnoo said.The state government will be the link to other handicraft associations and NGOs, he added.A district-level federation of crafts persons and associations will be formed, which will be the interface for top designers to work with local communities.The SIPA federation has some 7,000 members. Nearly 150 'narikuravas' (members of the marginalized gypsy tribe) attended the meeting.
(c) Indo-Asian News Service
