Government Weavers Training Centre and Paalaguttapalle

 

Paalaguttapalle (Dalitwada) - The government Weavers Training Centre, Chennai, impresses. In its simplicity and accessibility and learning opportunities.

The women have been trying block printing on the bags. We felt that that may help find steady orders.

Vigneshwaran

pitched in fully here also, and brought the paints and other paraphernalia. But we have had mixed success only. There is a government Weaver's Training Centre in Rajaji Bhavan, and Varalu and I went there to find out about what we could seek from there.

The hall was large and well ventilated, and a few people were doing block prints on a table. On another table screen printing was going on, and Varalu was very interested because recently another friend had taught them scrteen printing and the process here was different, she said. The staff was very open and cordial, and some even knew Telugu. They suggested that we meet the Director to see how we could formally learn. Varalu and I came with a good feeling, and Varalu was keen to come and learn when possible, as she said that they were people who were obviously helpful and kind. To put a very poor SC at complete ease is a credit to a government office.

Today I went and met the Director to request permission. He was, if possible, even more open and wanting to help. He said that there were some government constraints that I needed to understand thought. That when the government wanted to organize trainings they would pay fares, offer stipends, and give certificates. But when people requested, they would charge ! But that he would try and keep it minimum, and I said that they could not pay, but I certianly would for them. He asked if anyone was an SC, and I assured him that they all were. He called the staff, and instructed them to guide the women in complete detail. He said that this was not just a training, but an economic activity that they should be able to sustain. They also promised full support.

Varalu and Anita are coming, and the others may join is they can manage to their children and cows' care. Annapurna is away attending another tailoring course that she had heard about and registered for. The young women like to come and learn. It is also a women's time out for them, free from the daily inescapable duties of all us women, home, hearth and children.