Srijani comes from the Indian word which means, "Creativity." A group of women belonging to marginalized section of society, opened the three-day exhibition-cum-sale of their traditional and hand-woven products at Patna.

  The exhibition-cum-sale of handicraft items made by women artisans from Mahadalit families

Srijani director Veena Upadhyay said, "Srijani products are expression of views of women who otherwise might have got lost in economic backwardness and patriarchal society. The products also attempt to revive the fast-eroding culture of the state with the advent of modernism." 

 

She said, "Many of our saris are inspired from Mithilanchal art. While some depict the culture prevalent during the time of Lord Buddha, others are inspired by Madhubani paining." Upadhyay also showed cushion covers depicting the theme of Chhath festival. Saris made of cotton and tassar silk and the ones having Rajasthan's famous Dabu print are sure to catch the eyes of customers. The kurtis with applique work were also on display. The vegetable dyes were used in stoles. Beautiful bags, toys, accessories made of recycled silk, furniture made of bamboo, stationary products and home decor items displayed the craftsmanship of women artisans. 

 

Another very attractive item on display is what they called 'narratives'. They are embroidery on canvas, based either on some cultural theme or depicting the desires of a woman who aspires hard to realize her dreams. "These narratives are the outcome of three levels of training given to women of Vaishali district," said Upadhyay. She said the products made by women were testimony to the fact that economic backwardness of women could surely be overcome if their hidden potential was properly harnessed.

Srijani, which has already trained 123 women of the state, is currently teaching 45 women. Srijani has been invited to famous Artisans' gallery in Mumbai. 

 

Forty-year-old Basanti would have led a hellish life in the basti of Mahadalits (the poorest among the underprivileged section) had she not decided to get empowered and literate.

Married to a scavenger, she used to be beaten up by her drunkard husband almost every day until she met Veena Upadhyay, director of the International Academy of Environment Sanitation and Public Health, three years ago. 

 

Veena not only motivated Basanti to become self-dependent but also helped her become literate. Today, Basanti is one of the few artisans from the poor families whose handicraft items, put on exhibition-cum-sale, are drawing a huge crowd.

 

But then, Basanti is not the only one whose life has undergone a complete metamorphosis. Her colleague from the Mahadalit family – Sumitra – has a similar story to tell. Her husband Ramesh had once hit her with a brick. And when Veena wanted to meet Sumitra’s wayward and alcoholic hubby, she was warned that Ramesh might pour acid on her face and set her afire. Braving all odds, Veena went ahead, and within no time Ramesh had fallen in line. Since then Sumitra is associated with Veena’s organisation, and

today earns up to Rs 5,000 (appr­ox) a month by making various items like cane lamps, wall hangings, pen stands, folders, ladies’ bags, sarees with traditional Bihari sujani work, cushion covers and bed-sheets.

 

All such handicraft items prepared by Sumitra, Basanti and several other women from oppre­ssed class were put on display at  Patna College of Arts and Crafts. So overwhelming was the response that the three-day exhibition-cum-sale of lifestyle products had to be extended by a day.

 

“Actually, it’s a novel enterprise of women from marginalised section which finds an expression of their lives, dreams, desires, aspirations and world views in their hand-embroidered stree-katha (narratives), which explores socio-culture norms and their identity in traditional, yet contemporary forms,” 

 

Using the traditional mediums of embroidery called ‘sujani’ and ‘khatwa’ of their State, they make contemporary handicraft products, using indigenous and eco-friendly natural fibres and dyes, for personal wear, home décor and office stationery, etc which make each piece unique, exclusive and special,” 

 

These artisans were trained for over a year by Srijani, an NGO working for women. Veena is the honorary director of Srijani, which started functioning since October 2010 by enrolling nearly 80 women. “Now my goal is to enroll more women and make them

self-dependent. I hope to make a thousand Srijanis in the next five years through my relentless effort,” .

“When I started Srijani on October 29, 2010, I chose to provide compulsory education to these women so that they can stand on their own. Without basic education, they could not have been able to even operate their banks accounts,” said Veena and added that after the initial training, they were taught to make handicraft products.

Chanda from Srijani, too, narrated her traumatic childhood and how the non-governmental organisation turned her life around. “Through these handicraft items, I tell the story of my life… and earn around Rs 6,000 per month. With this sum, I bear the expenses of my family,” she averred.

 

Impressed with this kind of ‘women empowerment’, Bihar’s Art and Culture Minister Sukhda Pandey has invited members of Srijani for next year’s Bihar Diwas celebrations at Udaipur in Rajasthan.