- Pulicat: The Salt Lagoon, Palm Leaf Baskets, and Mangrove Revitalization and The Kula conclave 2024
Pushpanath Krishnamurthy
Global consultant, trainer, Motivational Speaker, Climate Campaigner and Fairtrade activist.
14 August
Background: My journey has been intertwined with the Ahimsa economy, a movement devoted to the ideals of a non-violent, sustainable economy. In September 2022, I embarked on a nearly hundred-kilometer pilgrimage with men and women from across India and beyond. This odyssey led us to the heart of innovation, where stories were shared, and inspiration flowed freely among more than 180 artisans showcasing their handcrafted wares at a Santhai in Madurai.
For four days, we were cradled by the warmth of farmers and simple folk, who offered us shelter, food, and the comfort of sleeping on earthen floors. We were welcomed not just by individuals, but by the collective spirit of organic pioneers, housewives, students, and professionals. It was in this humble, yet profound gathering, at the first Ahimsa Santhai organized by CESI and others at the revered Gandhi Museum in Madurai, that we presented the concept of a historic Ahimsa path to then Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan.
You may witness this journey in the film linked here .
What emerged from those four days of intense interaction—sessions with experts, activists, and thought leaders from across the globe, as well as dialogues with children and adults alike—was a deep sense of possibility. A promise, if you will, to forge a robust non-violent economy: one that is sustainable, climate-resilient, and capable of generating income while spurring innovation. It is an economy that embraces the concept of well-being as its core.
After much reflection, it was decided that this scattered but shared enterprise needed to be molded into a more coherent, vibrant, and promising economy. This vision required the establishment of a distinct brand—AHIMSA—underpinned by a cohesive code of ethics. Central to this vision was the need for active communication, interaction with others on a similar journey, and the bringing together of enlightened innovators, design experts, and investors to elevate the craft and handmade products economy.
Fortune smiled upon us as we connected with the WEALL economy movement. Through these conversations, we linked up with the magnificent 200 Million Artisans initiative and the Kula Conclave 2. The 200 Million Artisans project is a groundbreaking effort that highlights the immense power, significance, and extraordinary impact of handcrafted products—especially those created by women who often receive so little, yet bear the brunt of climate change, suffering its impacts first, worst, and hardest.
As a long time supporter of fairtrade and craft- and a climate Justice walker-I find this initiative original and substantial as well as realistic and affirmative-tuck in,Dip in, My freinds
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Dip into the creative Kula platform-read, share, apply and be a part of this historic gathering with clear purpose.
To kick off the process for myself and
As always, my journey took me to the women who craft these products—to learn, understand, and narrate their stories.
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Sixty kilometers from Chennai, in the village of Thiruvallur, lies Pulicat Lagoon, a place of breathtaking beauty and ecological wonder. Here, I met a handful of women on a blistering day, yet they toiled in a well-lit, airy, and congenial shelter under the auspices of the Pulicat Women Industrial Co-op, established in the 1960s.
The Palm Leaf Handicrafts produced here have earned a sterling reputation for their authenticity, creativity, and collective effort, reaching markets across the globe. There was a time when these products, with the support of institutions like the Commissioner for Handicrafts and associations such as South India Producers and Oxfam Bridge, found their niche. The women, who earned and learned much from this craft, saw it as a bonus to the main income derived from the lagoon’s bounty—prawns, fish, and other natural products.
Pulicat Lagoon, the second-largest saltwater body, is a magical and biological marvel, its flora and fauna both incredible and overwhelming. Yet, the dual forces of human impact and climate change have dealt a devastating blow to the community that depends on this natural wealth. Life and livelihood are under significant threat.
Not long ago, a three-month harvest of prawns and fish would sustain a household for an entire year, with the earnings from Fair Trade baskets as an added bonus. But now, the economic decline is palpable. The scarcity of palm leaves—exacerbated by rampant deforestation, a shortage of climbers, and other factors—has driven up production costs.
Rita, Kokila, Zelka, Thaiba, Sakil, Safnia—women who collectively possess over 150 years of expertise, skill, and ambition—though battered, have not given up hope. They told me simply, "We need markets. Let there be new investors. But more importantly, we need additional training in new designs and processes." The baskets, soap holders, and other products they showed me left me in awe. Their needs were straightforward and solid. They weren’t asking for charity; they sought partnership, investment, skill development, and new pathways to sustainable production—and, therefore, critical income.
During my visit, I also spent time with the remarkable Meerasa S., the founding member and managing trustee of the Mangrove Foundation. His work on mangrove restoration is a beacon of hope, offering multiple benefits, including a robust response to the climate crisis. This visit was profoundly significant for me—I learned so much, and felt deeply humbled by the courage and determination of the palm leaf basket-making women, alongside the pioneering efforts of Meerasa S., a child of the lagoon ecology and a champion of wetlands, recognized by the Government of India.
Learn more:
On August 15, a day after our meeting, I learned that Meerasa had been awarded the Green Hero Medal by the Government of Tamil Nadu. He works closely with the palm leaf basket-making women who craft magical bamboo baskets and other items. Such intersections and cooperation are vital—just as vital as an event like Kula 2024! I hope a few of these women can attend Kula, and with the unwavering support of mentor Panjaksharan from SIPA, showcase their stories and connect with everyone in Goa.
As I left Pulicat- late evening-I saw a single Pink Flaming – slightly away from its family forlorn and pensive-waiting.!
Please read share, comment and support-watch out for more stories in the next 6 weeks.
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Wellbeing Economy Alliance
3 个月Thanks Push for telling the story, as always with compassion and hope in such challenging contexts.
Thanks Pushp for your forever support and always inspired by the work you do.