Projects

Datkar’s involvement and input with the craftspeople is not restricted to mere identification and development of the product. Dastkar attempts to develop craft communities as a whole. The first stage in Dastkar’s entry into a community is the survey —the visit by the project staff to the area in question.  The purpose is to:

• identify local craft traditions and the materials used

• to assess the structure of the local community and its needs.

 Each year Dastkar selects about 8-10 groups and concentrates on every aspect of their working. Once the group in question has picked up some or most of the required skills, Dastkar slowly phases itself out from intensive input and remains as a marketing agency to them. The core of Dastkar philosophy is to make itself redundant. We are always delighted when Dastkar assisted projects attain self-sustainability in design, management and marketing. Dastkar gives its people those tools that are a positive force in their own community and lives. Thus, the Dastkar Project Staff apart from building craft communities, by identifying craftgroups and reviving dying craftskills, also helps in product design and development, assists in skill upgradation, getting credit and raw material, teaches management training and production systems and marketing.  

What is most exciting and important is not income-generation itself, but what follows after. The visual and verbal evidence of the usages and benefits of money coming into Sherpur, Ranthambore were manifold. As payments were made the women were asked what they would do with their money. Some silver jewellery, better seeds and a buffalo, a well, the ability to send their children by bus to a fee-paying school, medical treatment in Mantown Hospital, and a proper latrine, were some of the hopes expressed.

Income-generation alone, or even when allied to other developmental inputs from outside, does not rebuild the community spirit and confidence of marginalized people. They must share and participate, agree with and augment, eventually plan, coordination and spearhead local activity and action themselves.  They must have a place of their own. Women, who in the traditional rural social system own nothing, need it most of all.