Dusseldorf (Germany): "We came to GDS just to exhibit as we had a sponsored space. But to our surprise we are getting firm orders for our Kolhapuris and Mojaris made in the Rajasthani monarchy style. They have caught the fancy of the Japanese, Italians and Germans. The Japanese appears to have created a special fascination for them, who placed maximum orders," scientists from Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) who had taken a small team of artisans and a few products for showcasing told The Financial Express jubilantly. Decades of skills are focused at the fingertips of the artisans in Athani and Nippani Karnataka, who have been handcrafting Kolhapuris for over a century.The ethnic footwear at GDS had a touch of class, combining the traditional skills with young designs, vibrant colours and with a new brand `Toehold'. They are eco-friendly, ergonomically designed, individually crafted, sandals and slippers with the touch of tradition. Toehold combines unique design with universal appeal forthe young and the modern.
Institutions like National Leather Development Programme (NLDP) of India, and Asian Centre for Entrepreneurial Initiatives (ASCENT) are teaming up with CLRI in this initiative to provide a `Toehold' on the ladder of progress.
The project aims not only to provide training, design, technical and financial assistance to the artisans, but also to create enabling support systems within their reach and according to their needs.
CLRI provides the technical inputs and blacktopping support as a research and a training institute, with its well equipped state of the art R&D facilities and design innovation centre. Ascent provides training in entrepreneurial skills and market linkages for sustainable business development for the artisans.
The artisans have undergone design training at CLRI, and for the first time women have been included in the practice sessions. Successful entrepreneurs and management experts are involved to provide training, counselling and handholding in a learningpartnership unique to ASCENT.
The collaboration of NLDP, CLRI and ASCENT has been working for the past few years. As a result, there has been a systematic improvement in their skills, with introduction of new designs, new materials, innovative marketing and image-building exercises. A Common Facility Centre equipped with footwear machinery has been established for consistent quality and speedy delivery.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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