Nainital, April 13 2005
Uttaranchal’s famous handicrafts industry of softwood wood-carving is dying a slow death as less and less artisans are opting for the trade.
The wood carving of the region is breath taking for its simple designs on doors, windows, furniture and also miniature forms of Gods and Goddesses, animals and humans in wood.
However, with no proper training facilities available in the state and no help from the government’s side to existing craftsmen, the industry is on the verge of extinction.
According to Ramlal Arya, a master craftsman, non-availability of raw material is one major problem besides government’s apathy.
“First of all, we do not get proper raw material. We also don’t get any help from the government. I thought of expanding my work, but I couldn’t. Uttar Pradesh government really helped us, but since Uttaranchal has come into existence, we are not getting any help,” says Arya, who owns a small workshop and a shop in Nainital.
According to Arya, the outlook of the youth towards the trade has also changed. Now they opt for alternate means of livelihood as they find it unprofitable and labourious.
The craftsman failed to teach the art to his sons, as they were simply not interested.
“Today’s youth is highly educated. He is not interested in such work. He wants to make money quickly, which is not possible in this trade. Even my children are not interested in carving wood,” he adds.
Arya says government help is very crucial to revive the dying art form.
“The art is on the verge of extinction. I am tired. If the new generation doesn’t take interest in it, it will die,” says Arya, who has two awards for wood carving from the Uttar Pradesh government to his credit.
If government pays attention, wood carving can turn out to be a profitable business as the carved products are in high demand in the international market. (India News)
News Source: http://www.newkerala.com
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