Artisans turn Economists
Art was the preferred medium to spread awareness about folklore,” explains Singh. Singh has been blessed with a saviour of sorts. The International Resources for Fairer Trade (IRFT) has been instrumental in helping him earn his due as an artisan.
Explains CEO of the organisation Gaynor Pais, “IRFT was founded about 15 years ago, and came to India more recently. Our aim is to teach fairness and bring equitable distribution of wealth across the supply chain.”
To achieve this rather nible goal, IRFT is lending a helping hand to rural artisans like Devender Singh. “We engage in capacity building by teaching them strictly economic concepts like pricing, costing and break even. We want them to be self-sustained in the long run.”
While the IRFT’s assistance has come as a welcome boost to the dying traditional art, a changing social dynamic has further supported it. “Initially, the painting was done just by the men. But off late, under efforts of the government’s industry department, the women too are engaging in it.”
Signs off a smiling Pais, “Equitable distribution of wealth is a basic tenet of the Vedas. It is part of our ancient Indian tradition, and is in our blood. We do not need to learn it from the West!” With artisans like Devender Singh reaping its benefits, fair trade is the way to go!
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