For
our interim course, as a part of context 2, along with my facilitators narendra
and aditi with 13 fellow student friends I went to wayanad in the Western Ghats
in Kerala.
At wayanad we interacted with the locals and visited the NGO URAVU. Uravu is an NGO that encourages bamboo and calls it the future. We also visited a few tourist sites. Over a 5 day 4 night trip we learnt a lot; not only about each other but also about different kinds of people and their lifestyles.
This report is about all I saw there, all I felt about the place and all I would like to change from a design perspective
ITINERARY:
Our trip started on
the 15th of November evening, we took a bus from kalasipalayam to
kalpetta, wayanad. It was a 6-hour journey. We reachd kalpetta
at 6:30 am, and proceeded to M.S. Swamynathan Foundation where we 
On our second day,
we left
for a long-long tour around wayanad visiting the various bamboo clusters and
SHG’s (Self Help Groups),
namely; Niravu (frames) Unarvu (bamboo jewelry), Here we were given a chance too work with the women and give our design ideas as they followed one similar pattern of design for all products. (My design below)Then Sneha (photo frames), Saubhagya (baskets, trays)
On the third day, we went to touristic places
like the edakkal caves where we saw pre-historic harrapan wall engravings.
Our fourth day
started with a tiring yet educational bio-diversity trek behind the foundation
where we interacted with nature and learnt its secrets. We saw many medicinal
plants along with wild flowers and insects.
Our
last day was my favurite other than being the most exciting day through the
trip. In the morning we went to the uravu worshop again where we had hands on
experience with bamboo craft.
On the third day, we went to touristic places
like the edakkal caves where we saw pre-historic harrapan wall engravings.
Our fourth day
started with a tiring yet educational bio-diversity trek behind the foundation
where we interacted with nature and learnt its secrets. We saw many medicinal
plants along with wild flowers and insects.
Our
last day was my favurite other than being the most exciting day through the
trip. In the morning we went to the uravu worshop again where we had hands on
experience with bamboo craft.
On the third day, we went to touristic places
like the edakkal caves where we saw pre-historic harrapan wall engravings.
Our fourth day
started with a tiring yet educational bio-diversity trek behind the foundation
where we interacted with nature and learnt its secrets. We saw many medicinal
plants along with wild flowers and insects.
Our
last day was my favurite other than being the most exciting day through the
trip. In the morning we went to the uravu worshop again where we had hands on
experience with bamboo craft.
How Does An NGO Work?
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:
Lastly, there is only one way to go up and come down the caves that causes collation in the upcoming and down going traffic. A more defined path would decrease the tension caused during movement towards and from the cave.
Affiliation with brands such as “ANOKHEE” “FABINDIA” etc., that promote crafts as such is a good idea, or uravu themselves can open an “uravu” shop to sell their products in malls etc. in metropolitan cities once they produce products fit for that market.
At wayanad we interacted with the locals and visited the NGO URAVU. Uravu is an NGO that encourages bamboo and calls it the future. We also visited a few tourist sites. Over a 5 day 4 night trip we learnt a lot; not only about each other but also about different kinds of people and their lifestyles.
This report is about all I saw there, all I felt about the place and all I would like to change from a design perspective
ITINERARY:Our trip started on
the 15th of November evening, we took a bus from kalasipalayam to
kalpetta, wayanad. It was a 6-hour journey. We reachd kalpetta
at 6:30 am, and proceeded to M.S. Swamynathan Foundation where we
Stayed in dormitory for 5 days of our trip
After resting for a while, we headed out for day-1 of our adventure- we went too ‘uravu’ the bamboo NGO workshop, where we were welcomed and introduced to the various practiced bamboo crafts.
Post which we went for a nature walk and saw how bamboo is grown, and its different species along with the bamboo nursery and paddy fields.
After resting for a while, we headed out for day-1 of our adventure- we went too ‘uravu’ the bamboo NGO workshop, where we were welcomed and introduced to the various practiced bamboo crafts.
Post which we went for a nature walk and saw how bamboo is grown, and its different species along with the bamboo nursery and paddy fields.
On our second day,
we left
for a long-long tour around wayanad visiting the various bamboo clusters and
SHG’s (Self Help Groups), namely; Niravu (frames) Unarvu (bamboo jewelry), Here we were given a chance too work with the women and give our design ideas as they followed one similar pattern of design for all products. (My design below)Then Sneha (photo frames), Saubhagya (baskets, trays)
They are payed according to their work load,
The women would divide their tasks and
accelerate the production facilitated by uravu.
On the third day, we went to touristic places
like the edakkal caves where we saw pre-historic harrapan wall engravings.
Then to a museum
where we saw many historic artifacts and texts. After the intellectual bit we
went to enjoy the Suchipara waterfall where a large number of locals came for
their Sunday loaf.
Our fourth day
started with a tiring yet educational bio-diversity trek behind the foundation
where we interacted with nature and learnt its secrets. We saw many medicinal
plants along with wild flowers and insects.
Later we visited a non-registered tribal
school “kanabu” which was conducted by the tribals themselves but suffering
from lac of funds. They showed us a film about their school made by them as
well.
Our
last day was my favurite other than being the most exciting day through the
trip. In the morning we went to the uravu worshop again where we had hands on
experience with bamboo craft.
We could chose between
bamboo sculptures(masks, pots, lamps) bamboo weaving (blinds, mats,baskets) and
craft(handicrafts)
After a long day of hard
work we headed back and boarded our bus back to bangalore.
They are payed according to their work load,
The women would divide their tasks and
accelerate the production facilitated by uravu.
On the third day, we went to touristic places
like the edakkal caves where we saw pre-historic harrapan wall engravings.
Then to a museum
where we saw many historic artifacts and texts. After the intellectual bit we
went to enjoy the Suchipara waterfall where a large number of locals came for
their Sunday loaf.
Our fourth day
started with a tiring yet educational bio-diversity trek behind the foundation
where we interacted with nature and learnt its secrets. We saw many medicinal
plants along with wild flowers and insects.
Later we visited a non-registered tribal
school “kanabu” which was conducted by the tribals themselves but suffering
from lac of funds. They showed us a film about their school made by them as
well.
Our
last day was my favurite other than being the most exciting day through the
trip. In the morning we went to the uravu worshop again where we had hands on
experience with bamboo craft.
We could chose between
bamboo sculptures(masks, pots, lamps) bamboo weaving (blinds, mats,baskets) and
craft(handicrafts)
After a long day of hard
work we headed back and boarded our bus back to bangalore.
They are payed according to their work load,
The women would divide their tasks and
accelerate the production facilitated by uravu.
On the third day, we went to touristic places
like the edakkal caves where we saw pre-historic harrapan wall engravings.
Then to a museum
where we saw many historic artifacts and texts. After the intellectual bit we
went to enjoy the Suchipara waterfall where a large number of locals came for
their Sunday loaf.
Our fourth day
started with a tiring yet educational bio-diversity trek behind the foundation
where we interacted with nature and learnt its secrets. We saw many medicinal
plants along with wild flowers and insects.
Later we visited a non-registered tribal
school “kanabu” which was conducted by the tribals themselves but suffering
from lac of funds. They showed us a film about their school made by them as
well.
Our
last day was my favurite other than being the most exciting day through the
trip. In the morning we went to the uravu worshop again where we had hands on
experience with bamboo craft.
We could chose between
bamboo sculptures(masks, pots, lamps) bamboo weaving (blinds, mats,baskets) and
craft(handicrafts)
After a long day of hard
work we headed back and boarded our bus back to bangalore.
How Does An NGO Work?
An NGO or Non Govt
Organisation works either in a charitable or non charitable manner.
In this case, uravu is an
NGO that believes in bamboo as the future of wood. It’s light weight, strength
and availibility, makes it idal for substitution to wood. To promote bamboo
over other materials they train and employ craftsmen from the villages to work
with provided bamboo and produce products that may be placed in a market for
sale and profit to the NGO.
These craftsmen are paid for
their hardwork and looked after to whatever possibilities.
However the current system
does have its flaws of limited work force resulting in limited production and
unfit for the urban market.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:
Bamboo is grown by the NGO in fields around kalpetta,
different kinds of bamboo such as elephant,brandacy etc are found there. Cut
bamboo is carried to the workshop where it is categorised, treated and used as
raw material for production. Handicrafts such as bags, car seats, maskd, lamps,
baskets, lampshades, photoframes,pens, clips , jwellery and many more are
crafted with bamboo. These products are later sold in small exhibitions or rest
on orders.
UNDERSTANDING & ANALYSING
1)
BAMBOO CLUSTERS: -
when visiting the bamboo clusters I realized that the women were happy with what they were doing, they were skilled and hard working, they would divide and allot small jobs amongst themselves to make the task easier, but their products lacked variety. They would make one kind of thing in only one way- in multiples.
Not experimenting with different colors or shapes or sizes for that matter, which may actually improve the look of their products.
Also, their products were not contemporary enough and cannot compete with the competition in the urban markets. They say they do like to experiment but don’t find time to deviate from what they are already doing and the NGO that facilitates them (uravu) fails to encourage newer and more market friendly products, considering that wayanad alone is a very small market in comparison too the country. These women require more exposure and encouragement to make their work even more appreciated.
when visiting the bamboo clusters I realized that the women were happy with what they were doing, they were skilled and hard working, they would divide and allot small jobs amongst themselves to make the task easier, but their products lacked variety. They would make one kind of thing in only one way- in multiples.
Not experimenting with different colors or shapes or sizes for that matter, which may actually improve the look of their products.
Also, their products were not contemporary enough and cannot compete with the competition in the urban markets. They say they do like to experiment but don’t find time to deviate from what they are already doing and the NGO that facilitates them (uravu) fails to encourage newer and more market friendly products, considering that wayanad alone is a very small market in comparison too the country. These women require more exposure and encouragement to make their work even more appreciated.
2)
EDAKKAL CAVES: -
The caretakers and preservers of the cave have kept the cave very clean and nature friendly. They have adopted methods to prevent littering of plastics by not allowing plastics in unless they have a paid sticker, which should be returned, at the end of the journey too redeem its cost. This is a well working measure. The caves maintain their natural beauty as too many steel steps or railing haven’t been provided- at least not unnecessarily. This gives a person the feel of visiting a natural sight and creates excitement for the upcoming scene. Reaching the inside of the caves was rather disappointing. The engravings were interesting to look at but no information was provided along them. We would look at the high walls of the cave not knowing what was engraved on them and why. Archeological sites need to provide information about their discovery etc.
no guides were present, only two men making sure no phone photography occurs. They spoke in Malayalam only, at a tourist site language is a barrier – more linguistic attention is required.
The caretakers and preservers of the cave have kept the cave very clean and nature friendly. They have adopted methods to prevent littering of plastics by not allowing plastics in unless they have a paid sticker, which should be returned, at the end of the journey too redeem its cost. This is a well working measure. The caves maintain their natural beauty as too many steel steps or railing haven’t been provided- at least not unnecessarily. This gives a person the feel of visiting a natural sight and creates excitement for the upcoming scene. Reaching the inside of the caves was rather disappointing. The engravings were interesting to look at but no information was provided along them. We would look at the high walls of the cave not knowing what was engraved on them and why. Archeological sites need to provide information about their discovery etc.
no guides were present, only two men making sure no phone photography occurs. They spoke in Malayalam only, at a tourist site language is a barrier – more linguistic attention is required.
Lastly, there is only one way to go up and come down the caves that causes collation in the upcoming and down going traffic. A more defined path would decrease the tension caused during movement towards and from the cave.
3)
MUSEUM: -
The museum was a small one, they had a couple on interesting artifacts like tombstones etc., but again the language was a problem. The guide spoke only Malayalam and a tourist is alien to that language resulting in miscommunication, which in turn makes that experience boring.
Upgradation here is required.
The museum was a small one, they had a couple on interesting artifacts like tombstones etc., but again the language was a problem. The guide spoke only Malayalam and a tourist is alien to that language resulting in miscommunication, which in turn makes that experience boring.
Upgradation here is required.
4)
SUCHIPARA WATERFALL: -
The waterfall was pretty much the highlight of the day. Being a weekend, many local families or families from nearby towns along with many tourists -all were at the waterfall site.
The waterfall was pretty much the highlight of the day. Being a weekend, many local families or families from nearby towns along with many tourists -all were at the waterfall site.
It kept its natural beauty with the long tricky
downhill-uphill climb but that’s what adds to its charm. The only problem faced
at the waterfall that I saw was the changing issue. The public is allowed to
swim in the waterfall and people from many places come. Changing room facility
is required as post being soaked a dry enclosed area for changing is required.
5)
BIO-DIVERSITY TREK: -
On completing the trek I noticed that we had met with many medicinal herbs through out walk, which are probably unknown to the villagers, and are resources going to waste, as they aren’t consumed. Consumption of such plants may help the people in many ways. Physically and economically. Though of course if over used it could lead to depletion so that needs to be kept in mind.
On completing the trek I noticed that we had met with many medicinal herbs through out walk, which are probably unknown to the villagers, and are resources going to waste, as they aren’t consumed. Consumption of such plants may help the people in many ways. Physically and economically. Though of course if over used it could lead to depletion so that needs to be kept in mind.
6)
TRIBAL SCHOOL “KANAVU”: -
kanabu was a very interesting school; they had a very suitable curriculum system for their lifestyle.
They encourage students to take up any activity/ sport/ subject they are interested in. they follow the “open school” board as they are not registered with the government that also takes away from them the financial aid that could have been provided. However they don’t want to register with the government, as they want to continue following their own rules and not fall for the government’s orders of curriculum.
Though they are in lack of funds to run their school they need to either form a compromisation deal with the government or work out a system; or create and find their own funds, which can be achieved easily if worked towards and guided.
kanabu was a very interesting school; they had a very suitable curriculum system for their lifestyle.
They encourage students to take up any activity/ sport/ subject they are interested in. they follow the “open school” board as they are not registered with the government that also takes away from them the financial aid that could have been provided. However they don’t want to register with the government, as they want to continue following their own rules and not fall for the government’s orders of curriculum.
Though they are in lack of funds to run their school they need to either form a compromisation deal with the government or work out a system; or create and find their own funds, which can be achieved easily if worked towards and guided.
7)
URAVU: -
The idea behind uravu is strong, but the facilitation of it is still weak. They have skilled workers, supply of good bamboo -hence available raw material. Along with all the best machinery/tools required in production. What their potential lacks is upgradation in the field of the design of their products.
I find that their products are way too average for the scope they have. They
have to expand to bigger city markets and form affiliations etc. to popularize
their products. Facing facts, no consumer in a rural market would purchase
those products as its a craft many villagers know how to deal with that material
and could make it themselves whereas in urban markets– consumers will not
purchase traditional products like masks, unattractive bags, or bamboo crafted
lampshades as it wouldn’t suit their contemporary homes. Newer and better-defined
design system is required.
The idea behind uravu is strong, but the facilitation of it is still weak. They have skilled workers, supply of good bamboo -hence available raw material. Along with all the best machinery/tools required in production. What their potential lacks is upgradation in the field of the design of their products.
I find that their products are way too average for the scope they have. They
have to expand to bigger city markets and form affiliations etc. to popularize
their products. Facing facts, no consumer in a rural market would purchase
those products as its a craft many villagers know how to deal with that material
and could make it themselves whereas in urban markets– consumers will not
purchase traditional products like masks, unattractive bags, or bamboo crafted
lampshades as it wouldn’t suit their contemporary homes. Newer and better-defined
design system is required.
8)
BAMBOO FEST: -
Uravu organizes a bamboo festival each year, where different bamboo products are displayed for sale to the public. The drawbacks they face are that firstly the location is again around where they operate from; yes it helps save transportation costs etc. but that way there is no chance of expansion or maximization given.
Uravu organizes a bamboo festival each year, where different bamboo products are displayed for sale to the public. The drawbacks they face are that firstly the location is again around where they operate from; yes it helps save transportation costs etc. but that way there is no chance of expansion or maximization given.
Secondly not enough advertisement is conducted to promote
the festival and lastly again the products sold aren’t the most exciting.
PROBLEM SOLVING
1)
BAMBOO CLUSTERS: -
To resolve the issues of the bamboo clusters, steps need to be taken towards its improvement. If the women take out just an hour a day to work on something of their own they may discover something exceptionally great.
What these women lack is actually exposure if they are given more exposure towards modern aspects of design, they can create wonders.
An exchange programme can be facilitated between these workers and Srishti, allowing the workers too bond with students working on the bamboo project on the terrace and even in general, while the students can learn more about the material they’re using by visiting uravu.
To resolve the issues of the bamboo clusters, steps need to be taken towards its improvement. If the women take out just an hour a day to work on something of their own they may discover something exceptionally great.
What these women lack is actually exposure if they are given more exposure towards modern aspects of design, they can create wonders.
An exchange programme can be facilitated between these workers and Srishti, allowing the workers too bond with students working on the bamboo project on the terrace and even in general, while the students can learn more about the material they’re using by visiting uravu.
2) EDAKKAL CAVES: -
Information tablets could be placed along the paintings in the cave explaining what they are. The language barrier can be met by bringing together a team of skilled guides trained in regional as well as foreign languages so tourists visiting the site don’t have a problem.
A number system could be created allowing say 10 people to go up and 10 to come down one patch of the climb at a time avoiding slipping and falling.
Information tablets could be placed along the paintings in the cave explaining what they are. The language barrier can be met by bringing together a team of skilled guides trained in regional as well as foreign languages so tourists visiting the site don’t have a problem.
A number system could be created allowing say 10 people to go up and 10 to come down one patch of the climb at a time avoiding slipping and falling.
3) MUSEUM: -
I was actually disappointed at the museum, again it had interesting things but like more modern museums they could adopt audio guide system as tourists will have a problem understanding about all the historical artifacts. Unless they appoint more skilled guides.
I was actually disappointed at the museum, again it had interesting things but like more modern museums they could adopt audio guide system as tourists will have a problem understanding about all the historical artifacts. Unless they appoint more skilled guides.
4) SUCHIPARA WATERFALL: -
Rocks may be placed around to form an enclosure where people may change. Wood or cloth stations and the purpose it served don’t disturb this way the natural beauty.
Rocks may be placed around to form an enclosure where people may change. Wood or cloth stations and the purpose it served don’t disturb this way the natural beauty.
5) BIO DIVERSITY + TRIBAL SCHOOL
Many medicinal plants are available round the wayanad area, since the tribal school is in need of funds they could use these medicine resources to make medicine and sell for funds or have a clinic in their premises for the locals treatment.
Many medicinal plants are available round the wayanad area, since the tribal school is in need of funds they could use these medicine resources to make medicine and sell for funds or have a clinic in their premises for the locals treatment.
If a knowledgeable person is kind enough to enlighten
them more about the possibilities with herbs such as Ayurveda, they can use it
to their benefit. Though during that they must keep n mind the possible
exhaustion of the herbs if over used and they mustn’t damage the nature of the
park while plucking.
6)URAVU: -
Uravu with its strength can produce a lot more than
they do, they could consider furniture production as furniture is a wider
market and is better than the handicrafts they come up with.
If we provide them with a few contemporary bamboo
furniture designs their production may be improved leading to better sale and
more profits which in turn means the workers could earn more.
Affiliation with brands such as “ANOKHEE” “FABINDIA” etc., that promote crafts as such is a good idea, or uravu themselves can open an “uravu” shop to sell their products in malls etc. in metropolitan cities once they produce products fit for that market.
They could improve the design of their bags, masks
etc. with a little help from design organizations like our own where people
volunteer to help.
7) BAMBOO FESTIVAL:-
The bamboo festival is a form of an opportunity for
the promotion of bamboo. This should be taken too full use, widely publicized
and have maybe bamboo games, bamboo dances or more creative bamboo related
stuff than just handicrafts. It needs to be exciting enough to attract the
larger crowd and major markets, buyers.
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