Transforming Tradition: The Usha Silai School Empowering Tribal Women Through Warli Art

The union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is home to several indigenous tribal communities, including the Warli tribe known for their unique art form - Warli. A traditional tribal art form, Warli features simple yet captivating depictions of rural life. The Usha Silai School has played a crucial role in uplifting tribal women by incorporating Warli art into embroidery. Speaking on the origin of the Warli art, Father Anselmo Dsouza, a missionary said,

Warli art, dating back to 3000-5000 BC, was traditionally practiced by women during weddings. They would paint on walls using cow dung as a base.

Usha Silai School initiative aims to make women financially independent by enabling them to start their small-scale enterprises. It integrates Warli art into embroidery, providing comprehensive training to tribal women.

One of the beneficiaries of the Usha Silai School programme is Vandana Gadag from the underdeveloped village of Velugam in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Vandana and her husband initially faced financial hardships as they had three children to look after but, determined to secure a better future for her family, Vandana embraced the opportunity provided by Usha Silai School. She underwent a transformative nine-day Classical Silai School training.

Talking about the nine-day training programme, Vandana said,

I learned machine operation during the training program. I was practicing embroidery at home so I thought of teaching them too. The women were happy to learn and along with them I was teaching and learning. Together, we create various products like skirts, frocks, dresses, blouses, masks and pads.

The Warli tribe, who practices Warli art, lives primarily in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and surrounding areas. It is a significant cultural heritage, showcasing the tribal way of life, traditions, and beliefs. Vandana said,

Warli painting is our Adivasi tradition, we learned it at home only. In these paintings, we depict our day-to-day activities. We show the grinding of grains, the village scene and daily activities, and how we fetch water from the well and buy things. The Warli art also illustrates how weddings take place in our tradition. We paint life cycle and depict death too.

Vandana, as a Usha Silai School entrepreneur, imparts knowledge about Warli art and embroidery techniques to women, equipping them with skills to create culturally rich products. At her Silai School, Vandana teaches women from the surrounding areas how to turn this art form into beautiful embroidery, which can eventually be used to embellish different products.

This Silai School initiative of fusing Warli art with embroidery has been transformative for tribal women in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Warli art, depicting day-to-day activities, traditions, and rituals, has become a source of economic empowerment for tribal women.

Vijay Gohel, Programme Coordinator at Usha International Limited, emphasises the expansion of sewing schools in tribal areas. He said,

First we opened a sewing school in Daman, then in Diu. Last year, we opened it in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. We have 10 sewing schools in total, for which we have selected 10 tribal women, belonging to Kokna and Warli tribes.

Sharing details about the training programme, Mr Gohel said,

As part of providing training to women, we teach them handicrafts. We saw Vandana and other women practise Warli art, and create beautiful pictures. So, we thought about bringing this art into the market. And that is when we blended the traditional art with marketable products.

The integration of Warli art into embroidery not only economically empowers women but also preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of the Warli tribe. From initially struggling to make ends meet, Vandana now earns Rs. 3,000 a month, supporting her family and providing quality education to her three children.

Vandana has also paved the way for other women by providing them with training and eventually, a source of income. She has trained and taught embroidery to 10 women, using innovative designs and techniques. She added,

I show them (women) the technique, and how it's done using our hands. I ask them to watch me do the embroidery. I show them the painting, and then how to stitch it on cloth. Whatever activities take place in our Adivasi community, can be shown through painting and handicraft. I teach them how to use the sewing machine too and they work on it too. I feel very happy that others are getting an opportunity because we have a sewing machine.

The women of Velugam village are now earning a living by selling their handmade products, thanks to Usha Silai School.

Vandana Gadag's journey stands as an inspiration to others in the community, proving that with determination, skill development, and hard work, one can overcome adversity and pave the way for a brighter future.