#HandmadeDilSe: A Drive To Support Artisans Across India During The COVID-19 Pandemic
The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have caused havoc in the lives of rural artisans and weavers. With no orders, and massive stockpiles of inventory, their livelihoods have come to a standstill. NDTV has joined hands with Habba, a non-profit organisation in India, for the Handmade Dil Se initiative that aims to revive the livelihoods of the artisans across the country.
Highlights of #HandmadeDilSe Telethon: An Initiative To Support India's Weavers and Artisans
Handmade Dil Se is Habba's attempt to bring back the demand for handmade in India and revive the livelihoods of artisans and weavers. Habba has curated surprise hampers from across India for you. The art hampers feature carefully curated art forms across Textiles (handwoven, and hand embroidered), Wooden, Metal, Earthy and Hand Painted handicrafts from across India. You can choose the art forms you want to support and buy these exquisite surprise hampers for yourself and your loved ones.
Here are the Highlights of the #HandmadeDilSe Telethon:
Nov 01, 2020
22:38 (IST)
We leave you with the message from Co-founders of Habba on what needs to be done to help our artisans and weavers To lend your support to the initiative click on this link: https://special.ndtv.com/handmade-dil-se-79/buy-handmade
Nov 01, 2020
22:33 (IST)
Thank you participants: Over Rs 1.30 crore collected at the end of the 2-hour #HandmadeDilSe telethon To support artisans and weavers, buy handmade: https://special.ndtv.com/handmade-dil-se-79/buy-handmade
Nov 01, 2020
22:31 (IST)
A lot of children of artisans are not taking the legacy forward. If we all use handmade products more then it will be useful for both us and weavers. in the long run, it is much better. these clothes last long: Vidya Balan, Actor
Nov 01, 2020
22:27 (IST)
We are always struggling with man and machine, we need to move mass produced to produced by masses: Osama Manzar, Founder & Director, Digital Empowerment Foundation
We have been working with artisans for last 10 years. From Rs 60 crore we have expanded the market to Rs 250 crore. We realised it is very important to imbibe the artists, as they don't know the tricks of the trade, market reach and digital is one thing they haven't been able to get. That is why when COVID came, they lagged behind.
Nov 01, 2020
22:20 (IST)
I believe that the artisans of India are the true designers: Prasad Bidapa, Fashion & Textile Consultant
Nov 01, 2020
22:16 (IST)
We have to focus on the idea of embracing the 'handmade': Sanjay Purohit, Chief Curator, Societal Platform
Habba ensures that our artisans have agency and choice. There is a large, complex and dynamic problems to understand what works and what does not and how to respond. We have to see how to use digital technology to create such infrastructure so that various actors of the society like the government, consumers etc so that the artisans can sell their products in a unified way like Uber App. So we need to create a unified environment for our artisans.
Nov 01, 2020
22:08 (IST)
Dr Ashok Khosla, Chairman, Development Alternatives and Kanika Verma, Lead, Entrepreneurship Programme, Development Alternatives on #HandmadeDilSe telethon
Nov 01, 2020
22:01 (IST)
Make in India is not just about setting up factories, it is also about supporting the millions of families of artisans. Industry has to be empathetic towards the artisan so that they get rewarded with empathy: Vinita Bali, Former MD, Britannia
Nov 01, 2020
21:57 (IST)
If there is one sector that can back Make in India campaign it is our handicraft and handloom sector: Mahesh Yagnaraman, India Country Director, Acumen
Acumen fellows are working with poor and marginalised. Certain organsiations and social enterprises are run by our fellows. We support them directly. Now is the time to generate awareness and create demand. There are two ways - firstly, after the farmers, handicraft and handloom is the second largest segment in rural India - 160 lakh families, it is a staggering number of people employed here. If their income is affected they leave and look for job. Secondly, the aspect of Make in India, if you look at supply chain of artisans and craftsmen, everything start here, the whole value chain is actually captured here.
Nov 01, 2020
21:49 (IST)
Shubhra Nayar, Founder, The Real Elephant Collective that created life-size elephants made by tribal artisans from Thorapalli in Gudalur using Lantana, a poisonous plant
The elephant has been created as part of a large project called Coexistence. It is a herd of 100 life sized elephants have been created. These elephants have travelled the globe and the idea is to encourage people to live with nature. One of the key things about project is the indigenous artisans who create these, while I design. Every elephant is a replica. Five of these elephants have travelled 5000 km across the globe.
Nov 01, 2020
21:15 (IST)
The impact of COVID has been terrible in case of my artisans, we didn't have money to pay wages so a lot of my producers were sitting at home: Nivedita Banerji, Co-Founder, Samaj Pragati Sahayog & Director, Women's Empowerment, Social Enterprise and Design, Founder and CEO Kumbaya Producer Company Limited
Nov 01, 2020
21:09 (IST)
Anonymous donation of Rs 20 made by a foundation for Handmade in India Buy handmade: https://special.ndtv.com/handmade-dil-se-79/buy-handmade
Nov 01, 2020
21:04 (IST)
Atul Johri, Founder, Atul Johri Designs on impact of Chinese products on artisans of Channapatna
Nov 01, 2020
21:01 (IST)
COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on artisans, a story from Karnataka
Nov 01, 2020
20:57 (IST)
2 Anonymous Individuals have pledged Rs 5 lakh each to support Handmade in India Here's how to get involved. Buy handmade: https://special.ndtv.com/handmade-dil-se-79/buy-handmade
Nov 01, 2020
20:49 (IST)
Gita Ram, Chairperson, The Craft Council of India on #HandmadeDilSe telethon:
Artsians have always been dependent on bazaars and haat to sell their art. Pandemic started in April and lot of them sat ideal. Some got work and did amazing paintings. But it has been very bad. When we offered to help their business back with our funds, they didn't want it. They said, 'do something about our stock sitting with us.'
We have to do something about marketing. Bazaars are not going to happen otherwise. Volunteers have come forward, helping artisans photograph their products, create e-catalogues, helping them connect to e-commerce. A lot of it is working. It hasn't been easy as not every artisan has smartphone. It will take time. We are all surging ahead. Habba initiative has brought a silver lining to heavy clouds. As we were preparing hampers for Habba, we had to reach out to artisans for more products, they were thrilled.
It is about marketing. For handlooms, railways can start using handloom. Schools and colleges can say wear handloom once a month. Offices in Odisha wear handloom every Friday. Initiatives like these have to come. With craft it is little more difficult. Crafts were part of our daily life earlier. We are trying to bring it back. We are working with artisans to bring product that fits our contemporary lifestyle.
Nov 01, 2020
20:41 (IST)
Meet the people behind Habba: Smita Ram and Ram N K, Co-founders of Habba
[Sponsored]#HandmadeDilse | Smita Ram and Ram NK, the co-founders of Habba, an artisan-centric eCommerce initiative, speak to NDTV
Artisans don't need charity. They need business: Manoj Kumar, Founder & CEO, Social Alpha
At Social Alpha we look for innovators who use science and technology to solve complex economic problem. 2 things that impressed us, maximum value was captured at artisan level. Habba was reversing it. it was sending maximum value to artisans. Secondly, transparency. They allowed consumers to know they are buying the right product and what percentage is going to artisans. They know the cost of product, margin etc. this is the level of transparency.
Future for Habba is scale. They have already proven the concept and created finest products. Next stage is for consumers to actually buy. People with huge purchasing power need to purchase. Scaling Habba means more artisans can get value for their products.
Nov 01, 2020
20:36 (IST)
Know more about our partner Habba initiative
Nov 01, 2020
20:33 (IST)
Nimesh Sumati, Co-Founder, Caring Friends on #HandmadeDilSe
We are associated with over 75 NGOs in 23 states and also Caring Friends doesn't have a bank account. We are not registered. 100 per cent contribution goes to NGOs.
Rang De for making my job easier. They have got artisans right on their finger tips. It is first time that a receiver, giver will buy online and all will feel good.
I associated with Rang De way before. Their micro finance was very transparent. Smita and Ram have made a dent. Scale is not something they are scared of. They are always growing.
Nov 01, 2020
20:28 (IST)
Malavika Sarrukai, Dancer & Choreographer on the #HandmadeDilSe
Nov 01, 2020
20:23 (IST)
Thari - The Loom is a classical dance program, but inspired by the sari. Now the sari is not just a piece of cloth. It's not just an unstitched garment. But it's an emotion, it's a state of mind, and sometimes it's even a statement: Malavika Sarrukai, Dancer & Choreographer
Nov 01, 2020
20:18 (IST)
It is time to bust the myth that craft is cheap and repetitive. Today we have young artists who are leanring from their predecessors and innovating: Ananya Bhattacharya, Director, banglanatak dot com
Bangalnatak believes traditional skills and knowledge we have is tremendous cultural asset for development. We work across India with performing artists, craftperson to build grassroot creative enterprise. Our philosophy, artists must be directly linked to the market. Art, artist, village is what we focus on.
We work with over 25,000 artists. We saw their resilience during the pandemic. Entire market and traditional channels to market were disrupted. These artists didn't give up hope. They upskilled themselves to use digital technology. They ahve been using Facebook, WhatsApp to sell their products.
Artists have created stories on the impact of pandemic. They have collectivised and taking forward their craft with tremendous resilience.
Nov 01, 2020
20:09 (IST)
Zerodha pledges Rs 18 Lakhs for Handmade in India To buy handmade click on this link: https://special.ndtv.com/handmade-dil-se-79/buy-handmade
Nov 01, 2020
20:06 (IST)
Weavers need work they don't need charity form anyone. I had a programme in Varanasi, we met excellent weavers who had no work. Children were malnourished, adults were poverty stricken. But no one asked for money. They said, give us work. Not one person in entire village of weavers asked for money: Ratna Krishnakumar, Founder, Aranya Natural & Managing Trustee, Srishti Charitable Trust
Nov 01, 2020
20:02 (IST)
I get disappointed when we think short term. Pandemic is a classic example that we have to think long term: Ferose V R, Senior Vice President and Head of SAP Academy for Engineering
The pandemic is really a marathon. It is very different from natural disaster which starts and end. COVID will be with us for next few months if not years. We have to look at long term solutions. This sector has been left behind. I have outstanding artisans who don't have basic website to showcase their artwork. We have to look at it holistically in 3 stages -
1. What can be done at local level - buying local and from local artisans
2. Corporate - what are the policy changes that can be done
For example, what we have done - when we built our own SAP campus, all paintings have to be procured locally. That's simple to do.
3. Policy level changes are required at macro level, of all the changes we will face, the core is to focus on 'service, community and introspection'
Nov 01, 2020
19:52 (IST)
The one thing you need to do especially right now, whenever you go shopping, just try and buy one garment that is either hand woven, handblock printing or anything that is done by rural India: Anita Dongre, Chief Creative Officer at the House of Anita Dongre
Today fashion designers need to use creativity to support this sector. Design plays very important role by working closely with weavers on design, colours, texture. They have the skill and craft but if a designer works together with weavers and artisans, it is a win-win situation.
India should be proud of what we have. Tourism in our country can encourage visit to handloom units so that people can see how talented these weavers are. Just taking pride in this leagcy we have. Students can be taken to these units. We undermine what we have. We are always looking to the west. It is time to look within
Corporates should use CSR budgets to support this sector. If all get together this whole sector can see revival which is needed.
Nov 01, 2020
19:46 (IST)
We have more active looms than China, Korea, Vietnam can ever imagine. If you want to beat them, you can do so with handloom: Prasanna Heggodu, Theatre Director & Founder, Charaka
COVID has actually come at a a right time in the sense, today I can say handloom is the fabric of future. If you want good future for society, economy, treat handloom seriously and as a sector which needs to be invested in. You know most people don't know, most bureacrats don't know, most politicians don't know that active looms in India even now is bigger than the rest of the world put together.
Nov 01, 2020
19:44 (IST)
Prasanna Heggodu, Theatre Director & Founder, Charaka on #HandmadeDilSe telethon
We went through a crisis but we bounced back because of help from the consumers. The people, mostly women, they couldn't weave, dye, print so what they did was for 2 months they did mud work, mud flooring. There is a lake next to Charaka and they desilt it. That is how they bounced back.
Nov 01, 2020
19:37 (IST)
Optum India has pledged Rs 28 lakh support for handmade in India. In the true spirit of Diwali, Optum team members will receive handmade gifts.
To buy handmade click on this link: https://special.ndtv.com/handmade-dil-se-79/buy-handmade
Nov 01, 2020
19:32 (IST)
Buy handmade because it reflects Indian culture and aesthetics. In a world where everything is getting uniform and branded, handcraft is unique: Laila Tyabji, Chairperson & Founder Member, Dastkar
I was talking to a group of veteran craft people, they said COVID and lockdown was worse than demonetisation and any natural disaster that they have seen. Craftspeople wonder what the market will be like after the pandemic because the economy has been hit and people's purchasing power is low. Craft is not a priority and it is not something people rush out to buy. I am so happy that NDTV has taken this initiative because it is much needed.
For craftspeople their strength is also their weakness. They are a part of our culture and aesthetic. Most importantly, they are a part of our economy but this slips past. We tend to take them for granted. Today when economists, bureaucrats, politicians who are debating future actions, craftspeople are left out somehow. Craftspeople do they have a part to play? Should they be subsidieed for a duration? How do we do it? I think we have to invest in packaging, promotion, presentation, R&D, design development because consumers' lifestyle has changed. We need to create things which are in line with the lifestyle.
Prannoy Roy sets the agenda for the #HandmadeDilSe telethon
I feel this initiative dedicated to weaver, handloom workers, craftpersons and all forms of artisans. It is one section that makes us so proud and is respected globally. Their work is recognised universally and they make India proud. They are not given economic incentive and the boost that they deserve. This program is just a start for remembering and supporting them. It is a move to ensure they get what they desevre. It is a really important initiative. Artisans get less money from thir own products than what the government gets from GST. This is sad. It must change. We must do something and that is what this programme is about.
Nov 01, 2020
19:14 (IST)
#HandmadeDilSe Telethon gets underway with a beautiful 'Thari' performance
Thari - the Loom', the latest group production by Malavika Sarukkai, an Indian classical dancer and choreographer specializing in Bharatanatyam. The performance is inspired by the loom and the design and play of thread, this choreography explores the interplay of the constant and variable, the eternal and changing - the warp and weft.
Nov 01, 2020
19:12 (IST)
Join us for #HandmadeDilSe telethon to support our artisans and weavers Buy handmade: https://special.ndtv.com/handmade-dil-se-79/buy-handmade
Nov 01, 2020
19:07 (IST)
Behind the scenes: Telethon during COVID times
Nov 01, 2020
19:03 (IST)
Production control room: It's time for action to begin
Oct 31, 2020
16:17 (IST)
Watch Live a special 2-hour #HandmadeDilSe telethon to support artisans and weavers whose lives been have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown
Oct 31, 2020
16:06 (IST)
Habba has curated surprise hampers from across India for you. The art hampers feature carefully curated art forms across Textiles (handwoven, and hand embroidered), Wooden, Metal, Earthy and Hand Painted handicrafts from across India. You can choose the art forms you want to support and buy these exquisite surprise hampers for yourself and your loved ones.
Handmade Dil Se is Habba's attempt to bring back the demand for handmade in India and revive the livelihoods of artisans and weavers.
Oct 31, 2020
15:54 (IST)
Habba and NDTV present Handmade Dil Se to celebrate our belief in India's arts and artisans
Oct 31, 2020
15:53 (IST)
The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have caused havoc in the lives of rural artisans and weavers. With no orders, and massive stockpiles of inventory, their livelihoods have come to a standstill. Many in fact, have turned to manual labour to sustain themselves and their families.
Oct 31, 2020
15:49 (IST)
Each region of India has a rich legacy of art and craft that has been passed on from one generation to the other. However, the custodians of this legacy are now in dire straits.
Oct 31, 2020
15:48 (IST)
More than 160 lakh households are involved in handloom and the art and crafts sector, with over 80 percent of them living in rural areas.
Tourism in our country can encourage visits to handloom units, people can see how talented these weavers are. India should be taking pride in this legacy we have.Anita DongreChief Creative Officer at the House of Anita Dongre
The campaign Handmade, Dil Se, I think is a wonderful initiative, it says it all. Because what artists do is make it dil se. This just focuses our attention on that very important aspect, which we might otherwise forget.Malavika SarrukaiDancer & Choreographer
Craft and handloom sectors are two areas where India has something that no other country has. We have this wonderful asset and we should be investing in it.Laila TyabjiChairperson & Founder Member, Dastkar
If we all use handmade products more, then it will be useful for both us and the weavers. In the long run, hand woven clothes last much longer.Vidya BalanActor
Get Involved
As an Individual:
Select a surprise hamper of your choice
Select the price of your surprise hamper
Provide a delivery location, and complete your purchase
As a Company:
Pledge an amount to support handmade in India
Fulfil your pledge by gifting surprise or custom hampers to your teams and clients
The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have caused havoc in the lives of rural artisans and weavers. With no orders, and massive stockpiles of inventory, their livelihoods have come to a standstill. Many in fact, have turned to manual labour to sustain themselves and their families. Our artisans and weavers do not need handouts. They need work and orders for them to continue their craft. This festive season, we invite you to stand in solidarity of our artisans and weavers by buying handmade in India.
Lantana Elephants - A Special Opportunity
Habba is providing a very special opportunity to support handmade in a completely unique way - by buying a priceless Lantana Elephant. The making of these elephants clears forests of the invasive weed lantana camara, provides livelihood to adivasi families, and highlights the cause of nature conservation. In partnership with ‘The Real Elephant Collective’, Habba is offering a limited number of Handmade Lantana Elephants for sale.
We are deeply grateful for the unconditional support of our incredible impact partner organisations
Al Maun
Atul Johri Designs
Bangla Natak
Charaka (Desi)
Commitment to Kashmir
Craft Council of India
Darbar Sahitya Sansad
Dastkar Andhra
Kala Mandir
Kumbaya
Magan Khadi
North East Network
Paramparik Karigar
Porgai
Rehwa
Samuday Crafts
Sangraha
Sasha India
Tisser
Urmul
Women Weave and many more
With the support of our impact partners, we will be able to impact 19,460 artisans and their families, across 14 states, and curate surprise hampers across 51 unique art forms.
Habba’s Unique Principles:
Honestly Handmade: All products on Habba are at least 60% handmade. Our Hand Over Heart seal certifies the exact percentage for each product.
Honest Pricing: We follow a simple policy of transparent pricing. The income for the artisan is disclosed for every product listed on Habba.
When you purchase on Habba, you will be able to:
Buy authentic handmade in India products
Know exactly how much of the funds will go to the artisans
The number of days of employment you have provided
About The Partner
Habba is a non-profit initiative started in 2015 as an honest marketplace for artisans and weavers. It has been designed ground up to enhance the incomes of artisans and weavers and bridge the empathy gap between customers and artisans. Habba believes in 100% transparency and ensures that customers are aware of how their purchase impacts artisans and weavers.
Supported by Social Alpha, an initiative of Tata Trusts, Habba is an offshoot of Rang De - also a pioneering social enterprise. Since 2015, Habba has won several awards and recognition for its game changing efforts.
To support Habba’s mission with philanthropic capital or CSR funding, please write to support@habba.org
Habba & NDTV present Handmade Dil Se to celebrate our belief in India’s arts and artisans
More than 160 lakh households are involved in handloom and the art and crafts sector, with over 80% of them living in rural areas. Each region of India has a rich legacy of art and craft that has been passed on from one generation to the other. However, the custodians of this legacy are now in dire straits. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have caused havoc in the lives of rural artisans and weavers. With no orders, and massive stockpiles of inventory, their livelihoods have come to a standstill. Many in fact, have turned to manual labour to sustain themselves and their families.
Handmade Dil Se is Habba’s attempt to bring back the demand for handmade in India and revive the livelihoods of artisans and weavers. Habba has curated surprise hampers from across India for you. The art hampers feature carefully curated art forms across Textiles (handwoven, and hand embroidered), Wooden, Metal, Earthy and Hand Painted handicrafts from across India. You can choose the art forms you want to support and buy these exquisite surprise hampers for yourself and your loved ones.
True to Habba’s unique principle of Honest Pricing, you will know exactly how much of your purchase value goes to the artisans. There are no hidden charges, no fine print.
Disclaimer*: NDTV is the broadcast partner for a 2-hour telethon with Habba as the implementation partner to rebuild livelihoods of rural artisans and weavers. The amount raised will be received by Habba Organisation and shall be utilized according to a plan prepared and monitored by them.
NDTV has no role to play in the amount raised and will not be liable for any claim(s) made by any person or entity, including any statutory or governmental authority, arising out of the collection or utilization of the amount raised.