Kochi: Techies at Infopark Kochi can get tribal-made Karthumbi umbrellas from Attappadi at their workplace this monsoon.
Progressive Techies has decided to help market the umbrellas handcrafted by members of Thumpu, a society of the tribal people from the remote hamlets.
The socio-cultural organisation of IT employees in Kerala is selling a three-fold umbrella at Rs 350 here.
They see the brand as a symbol of women empowerment and a model of income generation.
Interestingly, the 50-odd women who are part of the venture had never used an umbrella in their life.
"We are planning to make it available by the end of May or June first week. We have introduced pre-sale coupons of '100. Buyers can pay the balance at the time of delivery," an office-bearer of the group told DC. "These umbrellas always ensure supreme qality like any other brands in the market which will be a helping hand to the struggling women and kids of Attapadi, who fight for their survival."
The collective is now making umbrellas on a large scale to retail across the state before the onset of monsoon. They plan to market Karthumbi with the cooperation of non-governmental organisations, government departments, schools, colleges and private establishments.
