Gone are the days when Sircilla textile town had attained the dubious distinction of a high incidence of suicides by powerloom weavers.
Now, this upland textile town, having the highest number of powerlooms in Telangana, is making headlines as a silk saree and silk shawl woven by a local weaver, which can fit into a matchbox, will be presented to US President Barrack Obama and his wife Michelle during their visit to the country during the Republic Day celebrations.
Local weaver Nalla Vijay, who learnt the art of weaving silk sarees which can fit in a matchbox from his father Nalla Parandhamulu, spent 15 days weaving the special silk saree and silk shawl.
Talking to The Hindu on Sunday, Mr. Vijay said that he had woven the special silk saree on normal handloom only and spent 2 kg of silk yarn to produce a saree weighing 60 grams at a cost of Rs. 10,000. He also wove a silk shawl measuring 2 metres weighing 30 grams, which also fits in a small-size matchbox.
He said that he would continue the tradition of weaving various varieties of fabric and promote Indian art.
Otherwise, Mr. Vijay will be working on his powerlooms to eke out a living. He says that he dreams of making a Telangana saree with a map of the State by using gold material and has urged the government to provide assistance to fulfil his goal.
