Raigarh: Everyone must have heard the name of Kosa silk but very few people know about the hard work and art of the weavers of this silk. Hindalco has played a big role in providing a new path and a new position to the weavers of Kosa art who were once trapped in the clutches of moneylenders. Such weavers were honored by Kosala of Hindalka in Raigarh.

Sunder Lal Dewangan, a 38-year-old weaver who has been working with Kosala for the last 18 months says, “I have been weaving in Chhattisgarh for the last 20 years. Earlier we used to work with moneylenders. At that time we used to get less money and had to face many problems. But ever since I have joined Kosla, the income has increased and Kosla silk thread and other weaving needs are being easily met. Hindalco has brought many changes in the lives of us weavers. Now we are earning more and also able to save,” Kosala Livelihood and Social Foundation is a non-profit social enterprise, a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Group metal major Hindalco Industries. Kosla is committed to empowering the Kosa silk weavers of Chhattisgarh.

On Tuesday, weavers from Raigarh, Champa and other districts were honored by Kosala for their meaningful contribution. At 'Tana-Bana Samaroh', a felicitation ceremony organized for members of the Kosla community including weavers, dyers and Kosa thread makers. A total of 23 contributors were felicitated by Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Specialty Alumina and Chemicals Business cum Director-Kosala, Hindalco.

Praising Kosala's contribution, Khedekar said- “We treat you like family, and your contribution towards this ancient art craft is unprecedented. We are committed to keeping traditional practices alive, keeping all processes humane, equitable and ecologically balanced. Through Kosala, we aim to enhance economic opportunities for artisans and provide them a global platform to showcase their excellence and impeccable artistry in creating products that take the art to new heights. Beautifully designed and handwoven sarees, dupattas and stoles from Kosa silk of Chhattisgarh are being loved all over the world.

The Tana Bana ceremony also highlighted the cultural significance of Kosa weaving with a spectacular Kathak dance performance by renowned Kathak artiste Maulshree Singh of Raigarh Gharana, who enthralled the audience with her beautiful artistry. Speaking on the occasion, CEO- Kosala Neeta Shah said – “Tana Bana is our endeavor to recognize the tireless efforts of the artisans and celebrate their craft. In this program, Director of Chhattisgarh State Sericulture Department, Raipur, S.K. Kohlekar, Assistant Director of Weavers Service Center-Raigarh R.S. Gokhale, Hindalco Joint President-Specialty Alumina Business Shishir Mishra and others were present.

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