Gram Swaraj Parishad
Gram Swaraj Parishad was founded in 1974-75 by a group of freedom fighters, social workers and other eminent personalities, started on the Gandhian philosophy to make every village self-reliant so that India as a whole would become totally independent.
Gram Swaraj Parishad started as a destitute home, and along with it a small dairy unit was also set up. Gradually Gram Swaraj Parishad expanded its programs to adult literacy, children’s education, handicraft and other khadi related activities in the villages.
At present, Gram Swaraj Parishad is operated by Shri Dibya Jyoti Kalita, son of one of the founders of Gram Swaraj Parishad. Under his operation, Gram Swaraj Parishad is working with around 2000 artisans at its 4 centres and villages associated with it in the Kamrup district of Assam. They also conduct the training of weavers & spinners from nearby villages periodically.
Gram Swaraj Parishad also runs a government-aided scholarship program for khadi artisans and their children. There have been about 100 beneficiaries till date. Additionally, 30-35 households/singles live rent free in their campus apartments with attached kitchen & bathroom.
Products of Khadi Institution
Eri Silk Stoles
Eri silk is also known as “Ahimsa silk”, as the production process doesn’t involve killing of the silkworms while producing the yarns. Eri silk has a texture like wool or cotton. It is soft, warm, slightly coarse with a very soft lustre.
Muga Silk Yardages
Muga silk, also known as the golden silk of Assam due to its naturally occurring golden hue which improves with every wash. Muga silk is very expensive as the Som/Sualu trees (where muga silkworms are naturally found) are dwindling in number.
Pat Silk Mekhala Sador
Pat silk mekhela sadors and saris with extra-weft weaving techniques are produced in Sualkuchi village, also known as the “Manchester of the East/ Assam”, due to its large number of silk weaving cottage industries. Pat silk is the indigenous variety of mulberry silk found in Assam.
Hand-Spinning
Hand-spinning is mostly done in the villages associated with Gram Swaraj Parishad using the traditional drop-spindle technique by women spinners. Cotton yarns are woven on Amber charkhas at the Rangia centre.
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Warping
The women weavers themselves are involved in the warping process using a sectional warping machine at the centre. In the villages, the women weavers use the traditional hand-warping technique where warp pegs are mounted on the ground.
Weaving Preparation
The production in-charges help the weavers in the drafting and denting process for setting the loom. Then, bobbins for the wefts are prepared using the bobbin winding machine by each weaver working on their individual looms.
Weaving
The same group of women are involved in the weaving process. There are 8 frame looms called Chittaranjan looms for eri & cotton weaving at the Rangia centre. There are 3 jacquard looms for muga silk and Assamese gamusa weaving at the Rangia centre.
Artisans
In the villages, the women weavers are involved in the whole process mentioned above. The weavers in the villages don’t work at the centres. They like to work from the comfort of their homes, along with doing household chores and other farm-related activities.
Contact the KI at +91-7002557940
Handmade with pride at the Khadi Institutions
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