KOZHIKODE: Years ago, an engineering graduate working in ONGC believed that the wonder grass bamboo can change the world. He dreamt of the world where all utility products being replaced by bamboo.
Being so convinced, T. Sivaraj left his job in 1990. In 1996, along with seven like-minded friends, he started Uravu, an initiative to promote indigenous knowledge and techniques, at Thrikkaipetta, a remote village in Wayanad.
It took sheer hard work of a decade for his team to send in the message into the social psyche inspiring them to promote bamboo industry and also the government to support bamboo based initiatives.
Mr Sivaraj told DC that the selection of bamboo was a continuation of his social and political activities. "Earlier, I was very much engaged in Dalit and tribal issues and the promotion of bamboo, I feel, would be and panacea for many problems faced by these communities," he added.
Now a state accredited training centre for bamboo products, Uravu produces about 500 utility products catering to many agencies. Some of the items were exported to foreign countries. "I am happy that our institution imparted training to thousands of women in making an array of bamboo products," said Mr Sivarajan.
Uravu has linkages with experts and students from a wide range of elite institutions including Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai. National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad and National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kannur.
"We want to introduce more technology into such traditional sectors which would attract more youngsters into it breaking caste barriers," he said. "By promoting bamboo, one can strengthen the nature and also ensure sustenance of rural population, particularly women.".
