Lending a helping hand to artisans

Lekshmi Nair, a travel buff, quit her job and initiated the venture Project Kalayathra with an aim to help artisans across the country and neighbouring countries as well

Lekshmi Gopinathan Nair, a Malayali settled in Chennai, has always been a backpacker. Travelling on a sudden impulse excites her a lot. On one such visit to Varanasi, a place touted to be the spiritual and cultural capital of India,she met some artisans who make Banarasi sarees. Lekshmi was saddened by their plight and vowed to do something for their welfare.

“Travel was my passion so I started ‘Project Kalayatra’ — art tours that provide a closer look at the lives of artisans living in India and neighbouring countries,” she recalls. Lekshmi, who quit her job to pursue this dream full-time, is hopeful about this project,which started small in March 2016 with just three tourists. “Project Kalayatra makes people aware of indigenous art by arranging for them to stay with artisans and see their work. I offer affordable art tours through this venture, which is not limited to Indians,” she adds. So far, the team has travelled to Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Nepal. “We went to Rajasthan as a three-member team, both to touristy as well as off-the-beaten track places. The results were spectacular,” says Lekshmi.

Why does Lekshmi believe that artisans should be promoted “Art is in every nook and cranny, but it is not explored. People go to Jodhpur primarily to see the forts, and buy Jodhpuri chappals for Rs 400–Rs 500. The artisan get only Rs 30. Because of this unfair trade, their younger generationsare migrating to urban areas seeking new pastures. My initiative is not just to help them make money but also to motivate them,” explains Lekshmi who is crowdfunding her travels. She had been spending her savings so far.

“Project Kalayatra is designed as a sustainable, social venture. I want like-minded people to come together and contributemoney from Rs 500, upwards. The site is live now. And, I will make my account details public once it is done,” says Lekshmi.

“Currently, I am studying about Kerala and will visit it soon. I will book a ticket, go there, find accommodation and interact with the local people,” says Lekshmi who was a contestant in the Mrs India contest, held in Chennai.

She was crowned as the Adventurous Diva in the contest. “It was a great experience to meet people from different walks of life. We had a great time. I could make a ‘Kalayatra’ network there,” signs off the adventurous diva.