KOCHI: The weavers of Chendamangalam whose livelihood was shattered in August floods could successfully revive their business, with the support of government, NGOs, PSUs and other organisations. As part of introducing value-added products from handloom clothes, the Kuriappilly handloom unit at Chendamangalam, a women only unit, introduced designer shawl (dupatta) and sarees.
Actor Manju Warrier formally launched the dupatta by handing over it to Poornima Narayan, education standing committee chairperson, Kochi Corporation, during a function held at Kuriappilly handloom unit on Friday. There are 19 women weavers in the unit and most of their units were damaged in floods.
The unit is into product diversification for which they have got assistance from nationally acclaimed professional designers.
"We have woven 39 designer dupattas as an experiment and most of them were sold on the launch day. Manju Warrier and the guests bought several pieces. Since the Onam season is couple of months away, we are hopeful of having good business through product diversification," said Saritha C.S, secretary of the handloom unit.
