Dastkar

In 1993, Dastkar initiated support for 75 bonded tribal women in Bihar's Godda district, leading to the formation of BMKS, a Tussar-spinning and weaving craft group. Dastkar's objective was to empower this group to market independently, focusing on quality and sustainability. It provided design guidance, introduced innovative weaving techniques, and promoted the use of natural dyes. When BMKS faced resource constraints, Dastkar offered vital assistance, including financial support, skill enhancement, new product development, and marketing through Dastkar Bazaars and Exhibitions. This support transformed Tussar into a premium product, resulting in a remarkable 500% sales increase. BMKS, now comprising around 500 members, including 400 women, supports 3250 craftsmen and craftswomen, indirectly benefiting 4000 individuals. It plays a crucial role in supplying Tussar fabrics and yarns to craft producers across India.

Disha, initiated in 2009 by two seasoned rural development professionals, focused on empowering disadvantaged women in Rajasthan's Shekhawati region, left as sole earners due to migrant men. Facing various challenges, including legal issues and low incomes from traditional Bandhani craftwork, Disha sought assistance from Dastkar in 2010. Dastkar conducted a survey and organised design workshops to enhance product quality and meet market demands. This collaboration rapidly expanded, benefiting 400 individuals within 18 months, with craftswomen earning significantly more. Disha aims to extend its impact to neighbouring villages, fostering empowerment through craft-based initiatives for the broader community.

Dastkar's significant achievement, the Dastkar Ranthambore Project, initiated two decades ago, aimed to generate rural income in the villages surrounding the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, with a special focus on empowering women. This project exemplified Dastkar's commitment to reviving crafts and establishing craftgroups with unique identities. In the Sawai-Madhopur district of Rajasthan, where local craft traditions had nearly faded, Dastkar's efforts led to the resurgence of these skills. A Crafts Centre, Dastkari Kendra, conducted workshops, empowering over 370 craftsmen and craftswomen, significantly increasing their earnings. The project also promoted social development through various educational and community-building activities, fostering unity and progress within the community.

Dastkar's engagement with Lambani embroidery workers in Sandur, under the Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra (SKKK) project, showcases a transformative journey. Originally supported by Sandur Manganese and Iron Ores Ltd. (SIMORE) for two decades, SKKK emerged as an NGO in 1984. However, a lack of systematic design and marketing hindered its growth. Seeking Dastkar's assistance in 1991, SKKK's craftswomen transitioned from machine-tailoring pink plastic to producing traditional embroidered soft furnishings using indigenous materials. Dastkar introduced quality control, payment per piece, and flexible work arrangements. In just three years, the number of beneficiaries grew from 25 to 150 craftswomen, with increased earnings and self-sufficiency. The annual turnover reached a healthy Rs. 99 lakhs in 2020, reflecting the revitalized lives of Lambani craftswomen empowered by Dastkar's intervention.

Dastkar conducted the "Crafting Sustainable Livelihoods" project (FY 2019-2021), funded by Publicis Sapient. It aimed to promote India's cultural heritage to urban consumers and tourists, empower crafts communities to bypass middlemen, attract foreign partners for fair trade, and improve craftspeople's incomes through Dastkar bazaars. Publicis Sapient's funds supported workshops on marketing, branding, e-commerce, and quality control, craft demonstrations, and event decor. The project had a significant impact, raising awareness, benefiting craftspeople, and indirectly reaching over 1 lakh individuals through training, craft events, and social media engagement.