Struggles since March 2020

Food has always been one of the most essential and basic necessities for living beings. Human beings are no different. The availability of food sources, methods of eating, types of food choices, all have played a significant role in human evolution.

To this day, food is synonymous with life itself. The necessity to feed and be fed is one of the most important reason behind people doing what they do. Only when this basic need is met, can other aspects of life be even looked at or appreciated.

Can any of us imagine a situation, where we are unsure where our next meal is going to come from? The horror of not having enough to feed our family, our kids, our parents is unimaginable. We will do all we can to prevent such an occurrence, won’t we??

Now let’s look at the weavers of Kanchipuram - the creators of the world-renowned Kanchipuram silk saris known for their opulence, traditional weaving methods, beautiful motifs, intricate designs and vivid colours. It’s heartbreaking to see the struggles that these hands that weave such magic and create such stunning, exquisite and expensive pieces, face.

The lockdown measures initiated in the face of the global pandemic affected them severely. With no work and no income, the biggest fear was fending for themselves and their families. Further the closure of the well-known corner stores/shops only added to the problem. We, at the AHC Foundation along with Goonj were able to intervene timely and provide basic provisions and groceries to many weaver and artisan families.

Slowly and steadily, things were getting better and we were and are, continuously striving to provide a regular flow of income for the weavers. With a regular income assurance, the weavers are not worried about how to arrange for the next meal. They are not forced to leave their traditional skills and knowledge and move to occupations which give a more permanent income flow. They are then not scared to let their kids learn their skills and know how.

Despite all our best efforts, everything is not under our control. The recent rains in Kanchipuram due to the cyclonic disturbances highlighted how we all are at the mercy of nature. The continuous rains, the dampness and chill in the air meant no work in the looms. Work stopped for days beyond what was planned for or anticipated. And the people who suffered the most are the weavers. Despite being paid in advance for all the current projects, they were running short of cash and resources to manage their need and expenses. At the same time, they were feeling terrible about the delays to the projects and were not keen to take any further advances to tide through this rough patch. But we at the AHC Foundation couldn’t just wait for things to get better and see the weavers struggling to get food on their table. It was heartbreaking for us to see the weavers and their struggle. During our discussions with them we realized the urgent need for rice and we made sure the weavers receive the same without any delay.

And now with the second wave of the pandemic spreading havoc across the nation and the strict lockdown measures, the weavers are once again looking at uncertain times and are worried that they will see a repeat of all that they faced in 2020. No doubt they are scared about the spread of the pandemic, but their greater fear is to ensure two square meals for their families. We, at the AHC Foundation, have been continually supporting and assuring the weavers and are making sure that all their and their families’ needs are taken care of. But such difficult times, leaves them scarred given all their past experiences and the treatment that’s usually meted out to them. Any problem and these artisans working in the sector of handmade, hand crafted are the worst affected – no work, no wages, no food. We are slowly but surely working on changing this.

This only makes us understand that there is so much that needs to be done to empower these weavers, artisans and their families and communities. Till we all work together and create a sustainable model of methods and practices, the condition of the weavers/artisans is not going to change much. Their true upliftment is only possible when they don’t have to worry about the food on their table, when they don’t have to see the hungry faces of their loved ones, when they don’t have to sleep on an empty stomach, where they have sufficient savings for a rainy day..

We, at the AHC Foundation, commit ourselves to work towards making this happen, making this possible.. we believe we have taken the right steps in the right directions and with all the support from our patrons, our ambassadors we will get there..