Weaving confidence

India is known for its handwoven textiles since time immemorial. Yet, when the country shut its doors due to the pandemic, the weavers of the country were one of the worst economically bruised segments.

As a corporate social initiative of Aditya Birla Group, Aadyam Handwoven has been working with three weaver communities in India from Varanasi, Pochampally, and Bhuj. Each cluster has its own unique signature and interpretation of the heritage that is inherent and characteristic of the region.

Its vision is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for the finest artisans in the country by supporting, upskilling, and selling their crafts. Through an integrated operation, Aadyam Handwoven has helped several dying art forms to create beautiful pieces that are globally appealing while retaining the roots of these intricate crafts.

For instance, after the demise of his father, 25-year-old Sunil Kumar Maurya from Ayodhyapur village in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh was on the verge of ditching his generation-old business of Tanchoi handweaving.

Tanchoi weaving is celebrated for the small, intricate patterns it creates through the meticulous crafting of a single or double warp and multiple (two to five) coloured wefts. It is painstakingly beautiful. For decades, this weave of Banaras Brocade has been worn by nobility across cultures and seen as a sign of opulence and heritage.

But for Sunil, continuing his father's venture was not easy. The pandemic had bled both his confidence and business. Owing to the pressure of sustenance, Sunil's weavers moved on in pursuit of a more sustainable source of income. In the end, he was left with just one loom.

A team at Aadyam Handwoven had known Sunil's father's unit. When they heard of the turmoil, they approached Sunil with an order, while assuring him of support on business management and development. This collaboration resulted in helping Sunil win more orders. His workers returned to the loom, rejuvenated by his spirit and confidence. Today, Sunil has eleven looms under an owned unit which supports 12 other weavers' families. His collaboration with Aadyam Handwoven helped him create scale and impact while also creating value for his weavers and patrons, and keeping alive his generation-old art form.

Aadyam Handwoven exemplifies how one can live by the principle of 'Force for Good' every day through actions.