Vadaserry, a tiny village on the outskirts of Nagercoil, has found its share of fame with the launch of a >Facebook page dedicated to temple jewellery being crafted there.
There are 58 units, with 224 traditional artisans, engaged in the manufacture of temple jewellery.
As the technique of this unique craft is handed down from father to son, this Facebook page attempts to preserve the art of temple jewellery for the next generation, said state awardee for efficient craftsmanship in 2011-12, S. Ramachandran.
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Collector S.Nagarajan, while launching the Facebook page here on Saturday, asked the Additional Director of Handicraft (Ministry of Textiles), L. Balu to arrange a ‘temple jewellery day’ in a college to give wide publicity among students on the need to give a fillip to the traditional art.
“It is not only an art but also a profession for a group of craftsmen.
This art should be handed over to the next generation and it should not wither away.
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So, the district administration with the help of the Indian Overseas Bank and the Department of Handicraft launched a Facebook page.
It will facilitate the craftsmen to have a direct ‘producer-buyer’ tie-up,” said the Collector.
Additional Director of Handicraft L. Balu said that Geographical Indication tag had been given to Kanyakumari temple jewellery.
As there was a lot of scope for getting the tag for the Mulagumoodu lacework, Nagercoil embroidery and Mylady stones, necessary step would be initiated to obtain this recognition, Mr. Balu said.
Lead bank manager Devnath said that the bank was ready to extend assistance to artisans so that the art would be preserved. As online buying was common among people nowadays, particularly among women, traditional artisans need not worry about marketing their produce, he added.