Lobby View

Supporting traditional artisans

By P S Sundar

P S Sundar

Years ago, when I had highlighted the contribution of TISCO in Jamshedpur, for bringing about revolutionary improvements in the economy of the rural population, a highly pleased JRD Tata wrote to me, saying that he was encouraged by my words and would ensure that the Tata group continued with such contributions, wherever possible. This was at a time when 'Corporate Social Responsibility' had not yet become the buzzword in the business world.

I was reminded yet again of this pleasant incident when I went to Hotel Taj Ganges, Varanasi, in September. Coming under the umbrella of the Taj group of hotels, this branch, too, is known to be supportive of eco-projects. However, the Taj Ganges takes the concept a step further, by supporting the traditional arts of hereditary artisans and the products of the economically poor weavers. "Weaving and wood work are two well-known traditional handicrafts in Varanasi. The Benaras silk sarees are world famous. So are the beads carved by the artisans. Alas, these hereditary workers are reeling under the effects of impoverishment and the traditional art is facing extinction. Thus, to prevent this, we are supporting them by means of a scheme under which we directly purchase their products and simultaneously provide them with the necessary exposure to tourists," Pradeep Bajpai, general manager, Taj Ganges told me.

Pradeep Bajpai, general manager, Taj Ganges, Varanasi, in front of a showcase of the wood works of traditional artisans, kept in the lobby of the hotel.

How else does the hotel directly support these artisans, whose job is not auxiliary to the hotel? Taj Ganges has practically adopted a village called Gaura, where the weavers live. Accordingly, it organises regular free medical camps for them and has started laying solar lights to help the weavers work even at night, and at their own time. It has also provided safe drinking water and is working on other infrastructural needs. "We are also placing orders with the weavers to produce uniforms for the hotel’s staff. In particular, made-to-order sarees are underway for our women employees," Bajpai said.

For the wood artisans, Taj Ganges has provided in its lobby, a counter-free of cost-to facilitate sale of their products. "This showcases the great works of these paramparic artisans. There are wooden toys, beads and structures which are exclusively 'Benaras' in character," he says. "Thirty families are directly benefitting from our support, as we buy the beaded garlands (malas) from them, which we use to adorn our important guests when they check into the hotel. These beads are free from chemical-induced allergens which some foreigners are affected by when they use them as necklaces or for other decorative purposes," he continued. "During peak season, the artisans earn around Rs 5,000 per day at our hotel counter," added Bajpai.

The 200-year old Nadesar Palace, where Taj Ganges is located, is itself is a symbol of eco-tourism, what with its expansive fields, spread across 40 acres, which include trees, lawns, flowers and birds. The Buggy (royal horse carriage), which the King of Benaras used during his reign, is now put to use for tourist benefit. The traditional Varanasi umbrella, used by the pundits in the Ganges ghats, also adds colour. I saw renovations taking place in the original Palace, whose 1840 record is found in British history. The then district magistrate, Davis, survived an attack when he climbed the narrow spiral stairs to hack off attackers. And these stairs can be found even today!

Owing to its ecological and historical importance, several heads of states had chosen to stay in the Palace. "Such personalities included Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, King Mahendra of Nepal, Indira Gandhi and Srimao Bhandaranayeke of Sri Lanka," recalls Bajpai.

By July 2008, the Palace, being renovated at Rs nine crore will have ten additional suites with sit-out lounges, providing more scope to support the artisans.