An array of artefacts from Wayanad
'Uravu,' a Wayanad-based NGO promoting indigenous crafts and technology, is expanding its activities in Kochi.
The NGO will open an outlet at Deecee Books, 'Knowledge and Leisure,' opposite YMCA on Chittoor Road, with a week-long exhibition of products from Wayanad. The outlet will showcase bamboo products manufactured at Uravu, spices from Wayanad, agri-horticultural products, handicraft items and other rural produce.
Apart from artefacts of bamboo made at Uravu, there are many other products made by members of Kudumbasree self-help groups in Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. `Origin,' is a soap made with pure coconut oil by a group of women at Cherukulathoor, near Balussery in Kozhikode district. There is also a spice kit which contains 100-150 gm. packets of cardamom, star flower, pepper, dried ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace and cloves. The kit, priced at Rs. 125, is packed and distributed by self-help groups in Wayanad.
There are also pickles of dates, garlic and green pepper. Dry-flower arrangements made by another SHG is also on display. An interesting item is a bamboo rod that produces musical tinkling and rustling noise when held vertically. A traditional item made by the tribal people, this musical rod looks a completely enclosed bamboo stalk that has no openings at both ends.
As part of finding market for their products, a public limited company, Uravu Eco Links, has been launched, promoted by Uravu Indigenous Sciences and Technology Study Centre.
Sivarajan, one of the founders of Uravu, said the organisation had decided to adopt a model village, aiming at its total development.
In the first phase, strengthening the farming sector will be the focus. Creating additional income for farmers was the first challenge at hand. Many economic activities, including goat rearing and beekeeping, have been identified as means of subsidiary income.
Uravu also plans to promote community-led eco-tourism. "We cannot reject tourism per se, as it has totally pervaded Wayanad," says Mr. Sivarajan. "But, what is important is to make sure that communities, especially the village panchayats, get a say in how things are run."
Renu Ramanath
(The Hindu-05/02/06, Sunday)
'Uravu,' a Wayanad-based NGO promoting indigenous crafts and technology, is expanding its activities in Kochi.
The NGO will open an outlet at Deecee Books, 'Knowledge and Leisure,' opposite YMCA on Chittoor Road, with a week-long exhibition of products from Wayanad. The outlet will showcase bamboo products manufactured at Uravu, spices from Wayanad, agri-horticultural products, handicraft items and other rural produce.
Apart from artefacts of bamboo made at Uravu, there are many other products made by members of Kudumbasree self-help groups in Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. `Origin,' is a soap made with pure coconut oil by a group of women at Cherukulathoor, near Balussery in Kozhikode district. There is also a spice kit which contains 100-150 gm. packets of cardamom, star flower, pepper, dried ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace and cloves. The kit, priced at Rs. 125, is packed and distributed by self-help groups in Wayanad.
There are also pickles of dates, garlic and green pepper. Dry-flower arrangements made by another SHG is also on display. An interesting item is a bamboo rod that produces musical tinkling and rustling noise when held vertically. A traditional item made by the tribal people, this musical rod looks a completely enclosed bamboo stalk that has no openings at both ends.
As part of finding market for their products, a public limited company, Uravu Eco Links, has been launched, promoted by Uravu Indigenous Sciences and Technology Study Centre.
Sivarajan, one of the founders of Uravu, said the organisation had decided to adopt a model village, aiming at its total development.
In the first phase, strengthening the farming sector will be the focus. Creating additional income for farmers was the first challenge at hand. Many economic activities, including goat rearing and beekeeping, have been identified as means of subsidiary income.
Uravu also plans to promote community-led eco-tourism. "We cannot reject tourism per se, as it has totally pervaded Wayanad," says Mr. Sivarajan. "But, what is important is to make sure that communities, especially the village panchayats, get a say in how things are run."
Renu Ramanath
(The Hindu-05/02/06, Sunday)
posted by renuramanath at 10:56 AM
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