Prof. Rai emphasized the comprehensive involvement of various stakeholders, acknowledging their pivotal role in the Chikankari ecosystem. He stressed the need for holistic recognition of their efforts, citing their dedication as instrumental in the remarkable surge in income and employment opportunities within the district. Additionally, he highlighted the transformative stride towards acknowledging and preserving the heritage of handmade craftsmanship. Prof. Rai urged concerted efforts to amplify the narratives and stories of the artisans behind these creations, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional handmade work and mechanized production, ultimately preserving and promoting the unique essence of Chikankari artistry. He also stressed on the use of the word “artist” instead of “artisan”.
– IIM Indore’s report submission promises to boost Chikankari, empowering artisans and driving socio-economic growth.
IIM Indore continues its commitment to national development, significantly contributing to the enhancement of One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives. In collaboration with the District Administration Lucknow, IIM Indore has spearheaded a transformative effort to elevate the socio-economic landscape, focusing specifically on the Chikankari sector.
Led by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore, the team, comprising Prof. Bhavani Shankar and Mr. Naveen Krishna Rai, unveiled a landmark report in Lucknow. The report showcases the commendable strides made in the overall development of Chikankari within the district, emphasizing the substantial increase in income for artists, artisans, women entrepreneurs, and the creation of numerous employment opportunities.
Conducted between July 2023 and December 2023, the research sheds light on the intricate production processes and the diverse experiences of stakeholders involved in Chikankari. “The report underscores the critical role played by artists, artisans, machinery experts, and other stakeholders in contributing to the success and growth of Chikankari,” remarked Prof. Rai. He further recommended registering artifacts and handicrafts associated with Chikankari under a federation that empowers artisans and facilitates their unified representation before the government. This would also reduce information asymmetry among different groups of artisans and organisations.
Regarding Information Education and Communication (IEC) strategies, Prof. Rai emphasized the success achieved through similar approaches in the Swachh Bharat Mission. He proposed a similar tailored framework specifically for Chikankari, aiming to disseminate information about its intricacies to the wider populace. “Highlighting the stark differences between handmade and machine-made products is crucial,” he emphasized, noting that these differences encompass the stories, dedication, and artistry of the artisans involved.
Lucknow Administration praised IIM Indore for their exceptional efforts, acknowledging the extensive research’s substantial contribution in illuminating often overlooked nuances within the Chikankari sector. Lucknow DM Suryapal Gangwar commended the comprehensive nature of the report, emphasizing its role in uncovering complexities often missed. Expressing heartfelt congratulations for IIM Indore’s remarkable study conducted within a short timeframe, the administration noted that the report will shape strategies and solutions.
The department expressed optimism for continued collaboration, hopeful that IIM Indore would provide ongoing advisory support to further augment the district’s developmental endeavors based on the report’s insights.
IIM Indore aims to ensure wider accessibility of the findings by offering a Hindi translation of the research report to the public domain.