ALDONA: Based in Corjuem, Rukmini Parwar and her family of artisans have for decades made a living by crafting various items from bamboo and selling them in the market. “This has been our sole source of livelihood for generations,” she says.
Rukmini explains the intricate process of their craft. “The process involves sourcing good-quality bamboo, preparing it by breaking and drying it, and then shaping it into various items. While it may appear simple, it requires a lot of time, hard work, and dedication,” she says.
Each step is meticulous, demanding precision and care. The tools they use, such as choppers and knives, often pose risks, leading to cuts and injuries, but the family perseveres, driven by a tradition deeply ingrained in their lives.
The variety of products they create is impressive. From baskets known as dhaleo, supa, konnem, to pantlem, each piece is crafted based on specific orders. Rukmini has been immersed in this work since childhood, inheriting the skill from her parents, who in turn learned it from their parents. “For over 50 years, I have dedicated my life to this craft, just as my ancestors did before me,” she reflects. However, Rukmini faces a disheartening reality. The younger generation shows little interest in continuing this labour-intensive tradition. “They prefer office jobs and other occupations,” she notes, her voice tinged with sadness. The fear that this ancient art may soon vanish looms large.
The changing times have altered their way of doing business. Rukmini no longer goes to the bustling Mapusa market. “Nowadays, customers come to my home to place orders,” she says. In the past, she frequented the market every Friday to sell their handmade goods. But many artisans have passed away, leaving few to carry on the craft. The rise of plastic has also dealt a severe blow to their business, drastically reducing the demand for their bamboo items.
Modern lifestyles and fast food have further eroded the appeal of their work. “People today prefer convenience over tradition,” Rukmini laments. Their painstakingly made bamboo items are losing their place in
the fast-paced world, oversha owed by mass-produced alternatives.
Rukmini reminisces about simpler times when their lives, though modest, were content. “We used to sell our products for just 10 to 25 paisa, and even though the profit was minimal, it sustained us. I remember being able to weave baskets, sell them at the market, do our grocery shopping with just one rupee, return home and cook for my family – all in a day’s work,” she recalls.
“I find pride in what we accomplished,” she asserts. Her hope now lies in urging the younger generation to learn and preserve this art form. “It is a valuable part of our cultural heritage and deserves to be saved for future generations,” she emphasises.