Sewa International Design & Development Centre inaugurated in Kutch

Expanding Golden Era of Handy crafts in Kutch

“Many organizations were at the forefront of relief and rehabilitation soon after the devastating earthquake of 2001, serving the affected in whatever way they can, however after a decade a few only are still trying to help out the development of Kutch. Sewa International and Sewa Bharati are among the few who have continued their mission even after a decade and this is the indication of their commitment and perseverance,” exclaimed Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendra Bhai Modi while inaugurating the Sewa International Design & Development Centre, in Jiapar Village, Kutch, Gujarat.
The Chief Minister arrived right on dot in the remote village Jiapar for the inauguration of the newly constructed building of the SIDDC that surprised many. Beating the scorching sun and powerful wind, more than 7000 people had gathered for the inaugural and to listen to the popular leader, women present in dominant number.  This Design & Development Centre is already serving more than 400 women drawn from 16 villages, from a rented nearby location.

Sri Narendra Modi was received by Trustees of Sewa International Sri Jay Prakashji, Sri Bimal Kedia, Sri Rameshbhai Mehta, Sri Haribhai Halai and Sri Jadavjibhai Gorasia at the newly constructed premises of the Centre. After unveiling the plaque and planting a sapling, Narendra Bhai Modi lighted a lamp in the centre. He spent good few minutes observing the activity within centre and having chat with the women trainees and the production team. He could also watch the group of ladies embroidering new patch work for the finished goods before setting off to an eagerly waiting gathering.

 Sri Narendra Modi established a direct communication with the gathering through the chanting of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and said in his typical style in Gujarati “mane yad chne das varas pahelan meyn Narayanpur nu lokarpan karyun hatu” (I very well remember that I had inaugurated this village Narayanpur a decade earlier). He did not miss to pay homage to the founder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Pujaniya Dr. Hedgewar by offering flowers and reminding people of Dr. Hedgewar’s contribution to nation building activity.  He also took opportunity of reminding people of the changes that have come about in Kutch after the earthquake. Development of the infrastructure, rebuilding and resettlement at the speed not seen before was achieved.
The Chief Minister exhorted the potential strength of Bharat by stating that “this is a country of the youth with 67% population below the age of 35years providing the leverage to this country to excel in world market in this century, provided the youth is empowered with required skills and apt orientation that can empower Bharat for an edge to compete with neighbouring China.

He took special note of Sewa International for coming up with the help at the need of the hour in Kutch during earthquake of 2001 and also appreciated the efforts & initiatives taken for rehabilitation in the Indo-Pak border area of Kutch especially for the empowerment of women by training and developing their designing skills in matching the demand of the modern market. His quips that enthused the gathering were “Khusbu Gujarat ki” & “Kutch nahi dekha to Kuchh nahi dekha” (“flavour of Gujarat” & “if one has not seen Kutch, one has seen nothing”) which is an effort to promote Gujarat tourism and opening the gates for handicraft industry of Kutch.
Shri Narendra Bhai Modi explicated the initiative of Gujarat government in promoting self help groups of women- and orient, train them to develop in production and marketing skills with professional touch. His government, he informed, has made special provision of funding and promoting this idea through “Mission Mangalm” setting aside Rs 1600cr for the strengthening of SHG movement in the state.
Chairman of Sewa International Sri Jai Prakash welcomed the guests on the dais while Sri Ramesh Bhai Mehta elaborated the Sewa International activity in Kutch post rehabilitation. Prant Sewa Pramukh Sri Ashok Rawal elucidated the rehabilitation program after the earthquake taken up jointly by Sewa Bharati Gujarat and Sewa International. Chief Guest Sri Ashok Bhai Shah , Mumbai and Guest of Honour Sri Babubhai Ahir appreciated the arts & crafts of Kutch and promised to provide marketing platform for the finished goods from this Design & Development Centre.
Shri Raghunath Verabally received the felicitation from Sri Narendra Bhai Modi on behalf of India Development & Relief Fund in the absence of Dr. Vinod Prakash, Presidnet of IDRF. Kutch Kala Sewa Trust is the implanting agency in Kutch looking after the activities of SIDDC. President of Kutch Kala Sewa Trust Shri Hari Bhai Halai thanked the honourable guests and the gathering at the end.