Disaster relief: Help flood-affected weavers of Maheshwar

THE charming artisan town of Maheshwar, nestled by the banks of the Narmada River in western Madhya Pradesh, has faced a calamity of unprecedented proportions. Severe rains between September 15 and September 17, resulting in nearly 200 mm of rainfall – the highest since 1962 – triggered flash floods that caught the town off guard. With the Narmada River already overflowing, the inundation caused by its tributary, the Maheshwari Nadi, left the town submerged under three stories of water in some areas. This devastating flooding, the worst since 1995, has left the residents feeling lost and in despair.

Karuka Foundation has launched an urgent disaster relief fundraiser in response to this dire situation. Karuka Foundation aims to aid 400 of the most affected families by providing food packets, medical and sanitation kits, and replacing lost or damaged equipment. This fundraiser is a lifeline for these families as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. With their livelihoods deeply impacted, it is crucial to extend our support and help them get back on their feet – donate here.

The urgent need for assistance

The aftermath of the flooding in Maheshwar has left residents grappling with extensive property damage. Homes are filled with sludge and many have lost essential equipment, including handlooms, utensils, stoves, refrigerators, motorcycles and scooters. The road to recovery is long and these families need immediate assistance to regain a sense of normalcy.

Karuka Foundation’s fundraiser urgently requests funds since it will take the affected families approximately three weeks, if not more, to resume weaving and other livelihood activities. The devastation caused by the floods has disrupted their means of earning a living, making it even more essential for us to step in and offer a helping hand – donate here.

Karuka Foundation’s relief efforts

Karuka Foundation has outlined a comprehensive plan to provide assistance to the affected families. Here are the key aspects of their relief efforts:

Food packets: Karuka Foundation plans to distribute food packets worth ₹1,500 to 400 families. Each food packet is designed to provide essential sustenance and contains cooking oil, sugar, tea leaves, various types of dal, flour, and rice. The total budget for this initiative is ₹6,00,000 and these items will ensure that families have access to nutritious meals during their recovery.

Medical and sanitation kits: Another crucial aspect of the relief effort is the distribution of medical and sanitation kits worth ₹1,000 to 400 families. These medical and sanitation kits contain essential items like soap, shampoo, sanitary napkins, bathing oil, shaving kits, medicines, sanitisers, antiseptic liquids and bandages. These kits promote hygiene and provide necessary medical supplies to address health concerns arising from the floods. The total budget for this initiative is ₹4,00,000 and will address the immediate medical needs of the affected.

Equipment replacement: To help families recover, Karuka Foundation is raising funds to replace lost or damaged equipment. This includes handlooms, stoves, utensils, air coolers, refrigerators and more. On average, the replacement cost for each family is estimated at approximately ₹10,000. Karuka Foundation aims to assist 100 families in this regard, with a total budget of ₹10,00,000. This support will go a long way in helping the affected families rebuild their homes and livelihoods.

The fundraising target

This urgent disaster relief fundraiser by Karuka Foundation which is raising funds to help the people of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh has a target of ₹20,00,000. The breakdown of this total amount is indicated in the previous section above. It covers staple foods, medicines medical and sanitation equipment and the purchase of damaged and destroyed equipment needed for people’s livelihoods. The sooner people can access these urgently required essentials, the sooner they can get back on their feet. This amount is crucial to ensure that all planned relief efforts, such as aid distributions and purchases, can be executed effectively and provide much-needed assistance to 400 flood-affected families in Maheshwar – donate here.

Maheshwar: preserving heritage through handlooms

Maheshwar, a picturesque town along the Narmada River, boasts a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in handloom weaving. This tradition dates back centuries, with the town being a center for handloom craftsmanship since before the fifteenth century. Notably, Maheshwar is renowned for its exquisite silk-and-cotton Maheshwari sarees, which feature intricate zari borders inspired by elements of the town itself. These designs mimic the waves of the Narmada, the carvings on the walls of its historic fort, the buds of cotton (a staple crop of the region) and more.

The weaving heritage of Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh is not only a source of artistic expression but also a vital part of the local economy. Families have passed down the art of handloom weaving through generations, creating a sustainable and culturally significant livelihood.

Karuka Foundation: empowering artisans for a brighter future

Karuka Foundation has a noble objective: to empower the current generation of artisans by providing them with training, support, access to networks, and technology. The NGO aims to help artisans continue, grow and prosper in their traditional crafts without compromising their aspirations. By offering quality education, Karuka Foundation seeks to enable young artisans to transition from craft-based wage workers to artisan-designer-entrepreneurs.

This transformation empowers artisans to take pride in their vocations and emerge as ambassadors of their crafts, dedicated to preserving age-old traditions. Karuka Foundation plays a pivotal role in ensuring these artisans can carry forward their rich heritage while adapting to the changing world.

Extend a helping hand to Maheshwar

The flooding in Maheshwar has brought about a significant crisis for its residents, particularly those who rely on handloom weaving for their livelihoods. Karuka Foundation’s disaster relief fundraiser is a ray of hope for these families. By contributing to this noble cause, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the floods.

Let us unite and extend our support to Maheshwar, preserving its cultural heritage and helping its resilient residents rebuild their lives. Your donation, no matter the size, will go a long way in providing essential relief to those in need. Together, we can bring hope and recovery to the beautiful town of Maheshwar – donate here.

All images are from Karuka Foundation

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