New Dignity And A Living Through Rug-Making

NK Chaudry, the man who started the Foundation.

In some of the rural and impoverished areas of the world, live individuals with startling artisan talent. Frequently, their skills go unrecognized, unobserved by those who live in better circumstances. Even on trips to other nations, those modern-day adventurers may miss these skilled individuals.

In India in 2004 a visionary named NK Chaudry, who wanted to connect these talented, rural artisans with people interested in their skills in other parts of the world. So, he created the JAIPUR RUG FOUNDATION, to establish those connections. Moreover this Foundation helps those in rural areas to develop their talents; empower women, who are the majority of artisans; and bring people out of generations of poverty by making a living through the products of their talents, the artistic rugs that the women weave.



Today, the Jaipur Rug Foundation supports 40,000 artisans spread across five states. The families involved maintain artistic traditions that are generations old, passing them down to the next generation, and demonstrating the ability to earn a living through their talents. A plus is that rug-making does not require technologically sophisticated or elaborate equipment, so developing the training and skills for the work is more accessible. In addition, the Foundation offers several different instructional programs to increase the skills of workers.

One of the women who has benefited from the work of the Jaipur Rug Foundation is Kamli, who lives in Dhanota, Jaipur. About twenty years ago, she married Tejpal and the couple had four children together. She was a weaver by profession, but was only able to eke out a meager living from her craft. Even so, since Tejpal wasn't able to secure work in the village, Kamli's work became the sole source of income. Tejpal was forced into leaving his beloved family and seeking work in Punjab. Three years passed and no word or contact came from Tejpal, but Kamli wasn't the type of person to lose hope.

Kamli eventually came in contact with the Jaipur Rug Foundation and started working with them. All of the frustrations and struggle of the preceding years could be focused into her work. Being able to get better pay for her work was just the start, however. She had missed the opportunity to receive a basic education in her younger years, but now she was able to take advantage of the Alternative Education Programme, offered by the Foundation.

Ms. Manju Devi, with cap and white decorated vest, receives her certificate from the Honorable President of India at the "National Skill Exhibition" in Deoghar, Jharkhand.

Of course, making her own life better has also helped her family. When she discusses how life has changed it's still a bit emotional. One of the things that Kamli points to is the new construction that will soon enough become a home for her family, saying, "That's my house." She adds, "All my children are completing their respective high schools and graduation degrees." That's how much change can come to an entire family when dignity and hope are added to a decent living.

Kamli, in purple and yellow, with three of her children.

Thanks for information from this page on Jaipur Rug Foundation: http://www.jaipurrugs.org/about-jrf; this story on Jaipur Rug Foundation: http://www.jaipurrugs.org/field-stories/kamli; and the above link.

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