Amidst the challenges that unfolded in the wake of the pandemic, the Good Karma Foundation has unveiled a transformative initiative that resonates with resilience and unity – the Quilt India Movement 2020. Spearheaded by social entrepreneur Lakshmi Menon, this movement exemplifies a spirit of collective consciousness, compassion, and empowerment.
With a rallying cry of “In this pan-India movement, we don’t quit, we quilt,” Lakshmi Menon introduces a movement that not only supports artisans from various corners of the nation but also weaves a fabric of unity that transcends boundaries.
The Essence of Quilt India Movement
At its heart, the Quilt India Movement 2020 (QIM) is a beacon of support for artisans who find themselves grappling with the aftermath of the lockdown. Millions of skilled hands that create wonders with threads and fabrics have been left stranded, facing uncertainty and financial hardship. Lakshmi’s passion for making a meaningful difference led her to collaborate with the pan-India collective, Creative Dignity, where she volunteers. This collaborative endeavor focuses on financially assisting artisans and providing them with a platform to showcase their crafts.
Lakshmi emphasizes the movement’s essence, stating, “Quilt India Movement 2020 is an initiative to help artisans across India to sell off their unsold stock. We will be liquidating more fabric stocks and help other craft sectors as well.” This movement not only preserves the heritage of Indian craftsmanship but also becomes a beacon of hope for artisans to rebuild their lives.
The Art of Participation
The innovative approach of QIM involves purchasing unsold fabrics from weavers across different Indian states. These fabrics are transformed into patches, each with its own story waiting to be told. By buying and decorating these patches, individuals become a part of a profound narrative of support. Lakshmi explains, “Each patch a person buys (and designs) will be their certificate of participation in Quilt India Movement. You can keep it as memorabilia of a good deed done. You will get to know the value of it only one or two decades later. That time, you will understand how your contribution has helped in reviving the Indian artisan sector.”
A Quilt of Unity
As the digital patches become available on January 26, Republic Day, the Quilt India Movement extends its arms to a global community of individuals who wish to make a difference. Each patch is a unique contribution, but together, they create a tapestry of unity that transcends geographical boundaries. The final quilt design will be showcased in the Biennale, a testament to the collective power of compassion and creativity.
Quilt India Samman: Spreading Hope Further
Another facet of QIM is the Quilt India Samman, which involves gifting “mommy kits” to mothers in need, especially in war-hit or underprivileged areas. This extends the movement’s impact beyond artisan communities and becomes a symbol of compassion reaching those who need it the most.
In essence, the Quilt India Movement 2020 is more than just a movement – it’s a testament to the resilience of artisans, the power of collective consciousness, and the potential of each individual’s contribution to create lasting change. Through QIM, the Good Karma Foundation redefines solidarity, demonstrating that by coming together and supporting one another, we can stitch a fabric of hope, empowerment, and revival.
