Weekend with Weavers…

69-year-old Ande Rama Rao has been into weaving saris since more than 50 years. Weaving came naturally to him because it was a craft that was passed on since 12 generations spanning 500 years. The advent of power looms in the last decade had dealt a blow on his prospects of selling hand-made products. With no support from the previous government, he almost quit the craft. Things have changed now. “There is a sudden increase in demand of hand woven saris with the new generation preferring them over power loom saris because of the intricate work that goes into creating them. And with the AP Government’s support in the form of pensions and loan waiver, I feel we are not neglected,” said Rama Rao. He was recently trained in the art of dyeing by AP Government which he lapped up with great enthusiasm. He wants to learn more and never stop working.