Artisan's Convention In Uttarakhand

In the tradition of mountain, artisans have had major role in the development of Society. They are identified by their different trades and name. Rudia's are Bamboo Weavers, Carpenters are called Chirani while Blacksmith as Lohar and so are the others. They were largely neglected for their social and skill and survived with barter economy. There is not a single village where presence of an artisan can be denied. It is countries scenario but in mountain, it is more prevalent as inaccessibility has increased dependence on artisans. It is roughly estimated that about 2 lakh artisans exist alone in Uttarakhand. Artisans have since ages have played an important role in development of infrastructure and other societal needs. Advancement of technologies and science have not benefited them more ever it has been replacive in nature. Rather many of the artisans like blacksmith, cobblers, carpenters have lost their jobs particularly in mountain area where lock of technology upgradation have forced them to find other jobs.

There is urgent necessities that warrant immediate attention of planners as degenerating traditional skill have been noticed at alarm situation. Unfortunately there is no much known regarding status of artisan their socio economic features, resource availability and technology status. A preliminary exercise was conducted on July 31st, 2005 where representative artisans of different trade participated. One day workshop highlighted some important issues like need of convention to explore consensus on induction of technology for artisans for better output. It also realized to find out alternative option on resource use marketing strategies and issue like artisinal guild etc. With this a meeting has been proposed on November 7th and 8th, 2005 with the following objectives:-

Convention of mountain artisans of different trade.
Trade wise identification of artisinal problems on socio-economic, societal and others.
Possible intervention, Immediate, Short and Long term.
Community innovation and Artisan.
Organizational setup as common facility centre.
Possible Institutional linkages with artisans.

Participants
Artisans of different related trades like Mason, Carpenter, Blacksmith, Copper smith, Cobblers, Bamboo worker, were the participants. Following trades have been identified for participation.

Details of Participation

S. No.	Trades	States	Possible Area
1	Mason	UK/ J&K	Skill upgradation
2	Carpenter>	UK/ J&K	Resources & Skill
3	Blacksmith	UK/HP/ J&K	-do-
4	Rudia	UK	-do-
5	Bansfora	UK/HP	-do-
6	Coppersmith	UK	-do-
7	Sculpture	UK	Skill upgradation

One day workshop was organized in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on 31st July 2005. The workshop was participated by artisans of Uttarakhand from different mountain region of the states. The major group represented were from masons, tailor, carpenter, blacksmith, oil expeller, cobblers etc.

The meeting was inaugurated by chief guest Dr. R. Saha, advisor, Department of Science and Technology. The meeting begun with introductory remark of Dr. Anil P. Joshi. He introduce the house about how artisans have played important role in building society infrastructure in the past and what is the present status of this society. He categorically pointed out that most of the artisans in mountain region is just in verge of disappearance because of many reasons. Lack of skill, technology updating of local artisans, poor economical return and replacive technology approach have further pushed artisans in drudgery. He cited example of traditional mason who used to work with stone unaware of brickwork do not get job now, there has not been effort to upgrade their skill. Similarly, local blacksmiths lost their job on agricultural tools/ fabricated by them were replaced by tools made in town. There is similar fate of other artisan in mountain that is necessitated is to organized approach for the local artisans.

After introductory speech, Dr. R. Saha, Chief Guest was requested for his expectation from the workshop. He placed this meeting historical and highlighted importance of local resources and artisans. He also realized to focus upon local innovation and there is a need of local participation in research and development. He cited many examples where local community has taken advantage by patenting their products. Such similar attempts must be made for regional development through involving local community.

Mr. Mohan shah, a village leader of local carpenters expressed his grievances. He pointed out that local artisans are largely neglected community. There was not been much done for this community. The poor design, scarcity of resources and poor skill has pushed local carpenters further low income. He mentioned that timber scarcity is one of the major limitation and Government must ensure availability from their local depot.

Mr. Vikram Lal realized house that growing problems, Tamtas are facing. He reiterated about resources availability design input and marketing availability. Some innovation approach must be discovered for marketing of artisan,s products.

Rudia, the community working on local Ringal (Bamboo) has been a success story as they have organized themselves and also some marketing strategies were set in. Mr Genu Lal, President of Rudia organization, however, expressed his fear of rapidly depleting resources and expressed that there must be effort on resource regeneration.

Bamboo workers (Bansfora) pointed out that design inputs and proper tooling and equipment can enhance their production with quality.

Mr. Vijay Lal Local tailor, has expressed paucity of proper machine and tools. In the wake of better tools and equipment they can compete with invading design and products.

Local barber Suresh Lal from Nagrasu pointed out that this can continue to be an important service in village as it does not need much training & skill. It was earlier part time job but it can become a full time regular activity. It can provided financial and skill development supports are ensured.

Many other artisans on above trades expressed their views. Besides, some women entrepreneurs like Mrs. Rukmani Devi, Mrs Sumati Negi and Mrs Samlesh also highlighted their work and also pointed out that how women artisans can be promoted. The meeting after deliberation ended with the following recommendation:-

A convention of Uttarakhand/ Himachal Predesh artisans should be organized.
Trade wise and all artisanal trade groups are involoved.
Gaps in technology and other sectors be identified.
Possibility of local innovation be worked out.
A grid be formed to promote and support artisanal interest.