Kala Madhyam was founded in 2002, on the belief that cultural action can drive social change. Craft in India is the second largest occupational sector, enabling the country flaunt a multitude of mesmerising and mind boggling crafts. A flourishing trade under the patronage of kings, waned with the arrival of the colonies, and in recent times, left in the lurch, as a dynamic India occupies itself in
the pursuit of technology. Forcing 10% of crafts people every 10 years, to give up their skills and often enter manual labour, with very meagre earnings. Caught between tradition and modernity, the onslaught of cheaper markets and subject to the whims of consumer needs and aesthetics, the craftsman has to innovate to stay relevant. Despite the odds, they tirelessly keep at it... with an energy and passion thats deeply moving. For some, this creative vision arises from their communion with god and nature, while for others it is the wisdom of family tradition. Craft is therefore an extension of themselves, an expression of people intrinsically linked with culture, lending it such timeless appeal. Craft is personal, a memory of a place or moment especially for someone away from home, it possesses character and weaves a compelling tale to the willing listener. But the threat to craft survival are real and many. It requires greater urban consciousness, pride in India's legacy and political will, if craft has to beat the odds. To start with, every individual could make an effort, however small, in their lifestyle choices - for the love of craft and the people who live by it!
