Weaver couple's inspiring tale of resilience | Fusion - WeRIndia

A couple in the weaving industry has also found a creative way to combat challenging circumstances.

Amid a time of economic downturn and reduced work orders, weaver Veldi Hari Prasad and his wife Rekha, from a district in India’s handloom sector, have turned to innovation to sustain themselves and create opportunities for others.

Known for his intricate handloom designs, Hari has been a prominent figure in the weaving community.

In 2022, he launched Rajanna Siri Chepattu. It is a brand of silk sarees. His brand reached not just several areas in the country but also international markets in New Zealand.

Now, Hari and Rekha have found a new niche by crafting sacred garlands, with colourful yarns.

A spiritual organization from Nizamabad commissioned these garlands, providing a unique venture for the couple and a reliable income.

The couple’s initiative has offered employment to seven local women who had lost jobs due to the industry’s struggles, helping to uplift not only their own family but also their community.

Initially, Rekha and Hari created these garlands by hand, but with demand rising, they developed a small machine to expedite production and accommodate increasing orders.

The couple’s first order of 500 garlands has already been dispatched, with more expected soon. Previously, such garlands were imported from Tamil Nadu, but the couple’s local production now offers a valuable and accessible alternative.

Hari is dedicated to the handloom craft. Also, he encourages his fellow artisans to embrace creativity and self-reliance rather than waiting for government or private work orders.

He advises other artisans to focus on improving their skills and creativity.

The inspiring perseverance of Hari and Rekha underscores the power of innovation and determination, even in challenging times.

Their story reminds us that creativity and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles and making a meaningful impact.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on January 17, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/438590