India has stepped in with the decision to boycott products from China and is all set to go Aatmanirbhar this Diwali. Whereas on the one hand, it will be a huge setback for China and its market, on the contrary, the Indian market is witnessing a major rise on the grounds of profit. In such a development, an NGO in Vadodara is helping in the revival of a 400-year old way of making firecrackers using clay.
NGO revives the art of making clay firecrackers
Reportedly, a 400-year-old art of making firecrackers using clay is all set to witness a resurrection in Kumharwada, Fatehpur of Vadodara district. A few craftsmen with astuteness in making firecrackers using clay who live in Vadodara were forced to stop the production of these firecrackers as Chinese firecrackers flooded the Indian markets.
However, an NGO named Pramukh Parivaar Foundation came to the rescue and is making ends meet for the revival of this centuries-old art. Interestingly, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative of ‘Vocal for Local’ that has inspired the NGO to resurrect the craft. The revival will introduce the new generation to the art and provide employment to various craftsmen as well.
Nital Gandhi, the president of Pramukh Parivaar Foundation asserted, “These firecrackers are 100 per cent indigenous. Kothis are made out of clay. A potterer made them using clay. Chakri is made out of paper and bamboo. Our aim is to provide as much employment to the local artistes. These are eco-friendly. They dissolve after being used. Also, they are safe for children. Anyone can use these firecrackers. Our theme is ‘Vocal for Local’.”
The craftsman named Raman Prajapati credited the NGO for making him produce Kothis once again and said that they were safe to an extent that one could burst them while keeping it in their hands.
He further noted, “It is a 400-year-old way of making crackers. Older people used to make Kothis. 20 years back I stopped because it was not profitable. But then Nital bhai arrived and I showed him samples of a few Kothis. Then I arranged 2 tractors worth of clay and made them. I got to earn during this Diwali. We can make 1-5 lakh Kothis.”
China witness loss as India goes Aatmanirbhar
As earlier reported by TFI, Chinese goods are set to witness major losses in India. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has asserted that there will be an estimated loss on part of Chinese markets to the tune of ₹50,000 crores as India is going to celebrate a self-reliant Diwali this year.
Read more: India’s Aatmanirbhar Diwali set to burn a gigantic hole in China’s pocket
However, it was till last year when Indian traders and exporters used to import goods worth about ₹70,000 crores from China during the festive seasons. Interestingly, China reportedly had suffered a loss of around Rs 5,000 crores and Rs 500 crores during the Rakhi festival and Ganesh Chaturthi respectively this year.
India’s journey to becoming self-sufficient has been commendable. The journey, however, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule does not seem to stop and is heading towards its success in making India aatmanirbhar.