KALA RAKSHA
From:
www.kalaraksha.org
Designed & Developed by Allen Shaw
KALA RAKSHA Artisans
KALA RAKSHA began its work with three communities of the desert of Kutch, in Gujarat: suf embroiderers who migrated from the Thar Parker, Sindh in 1972, Kachhi Rabaris who are nomadic camel herders, and the Islamic pastoralist Garasia Jats.
Kutch: the Land and Its People
Kutch is a drought prone area situated on the border of Pakistan in Gujarat State, in India. Not only isolated by distance, the district is a unique environmental phenomenon in that it is surrounded on two sides by salt marsh Rann and on the other two by the Gulf of Kutch and the Arabian Sea. Consequently, Kutchis have always been culturally distinct and enterprising.
Traditional Embroideries of Kutch
Kutch is world renowned for its mirrored embroideries. Most of these were traditionally stitched by village women, for themselves and their families, to create festivity, honor deities, or generate wealth. Embroideries contributed to the substantial economic exchange required for marriage and fulfilled other social obligations which required gifts.
Self Help Groups
In four villages, women artisans have formed self help groups. Each member contributes a determined amount form her earning to a common account each month.
KALA RAKSHA's Stone Soup Earthquake Rehabilitation Project
The earthquake of 26 January 2001 created unprecedented destruction in Gujarat, and upheaval in KALA RAKSHA's work, destroying social as well as physical structures, devastating the emotional balance necessary for creativity.
Basic Education
KALA RAKSHA's basic education program has focused on basic literacy, utilizing a shiksha karmi approach: readying local people to work with their neighbors as teachers.
Preventive Health Care Program
… Goals for the Preventive Health Care Program are 1. Creation of an effective patient-doctor system. 2. Awareness of Nutrition and Hygiene, 3. Ability to be responsible for health of self and family, 4. Knowledge of body systems 5. Knowledge of critical symptoms.