Varanasi Weavers Crisis

The Varanasi Silk Saris have been an emblem of Indian Culture since ancient times. These beautiful saris woven using handlooms have intricrate designs and patterns made sometimes from gold and silver. Over the years, the demand for these saris which have been the most coveted bridal wear amongst both Hindus and Muslims brides, has reduced.

To make matters worse, Chinese "fakes" made on powerlooms are now available. Exploitation by middlemen and these factors have led to a major decline in the industry. There are approximately 500,000 silk weavers in Varanasi. 60 % of the handlooms are closed. Due to lack of work, many highly skilled weavers have chagned professions. There is starvation and malnutrition. There have been several deaths and suicides reported.

This is an issue of poverty, child labor, human rights, unfair trade, intellectual property, threat to cultural heritage. One of the main reasons is unchecked and insensitive globalization.

This is a video report highlighting this issue. Made by PVCHR ( People's vigillance committee on human rights - a human rights organization working in Varanasi) and (AHRC) Asian Human, Rights Commission, it features the report by Paul Mason of BBC.

Through this video, we hope to spread awareness of this issue. Please let your friends know about this issue by sending this video.

For more information about the issue and what's going on check out http://www.craftrevival.org/Varanasi/Varanasi.htm

If you would like to help please contact
pvchr@yahoo.com or
contact@udai.org

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• silk
• sari
• saree
• varanasi
• india
• crisis