AAJWD

The Artisans Alliance Jawaja Weavers Division (AAJWD) was formed in 1976 by Prof Ravi, of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad in association with national Institute of Designing. Omkar Lal, President of AAJWD shares his organization's hope and aspiration.

"Prof Ravi came to our small district in Rajasthan for research as part of his studies. He interacted with many dhurrie artisans here and saw its promise. Students from National Institute of Designing would visit to give us ideas and guide us in design.

"Along with two artisans, Ravi formed this organization. Jawaja is a block in the district of Ajmer and consists of many small clusters. Ravi helped us for two years until we could manage on our own. Today, 18 more artisans have joined us.

"I joined the group three years after it was formed. By that time there were already 30 people in total and slowly it became 50. Here in our division, we teach people who want to learn weaving. Every six months, we recruit new members. Once they master the art, we leave it up to them to get started on their own or become a member if they wish. I have been with this organization for more than 25 years and, over this period of time, we have been able to teach a lot of artisans and help them become economically independent.

"I come from a family that weaves stoles and shawls. I learned the art of weaving dhurries only after I joined this organization. It is a great feeling to be part of Novica."