The Union Ministry of Textiles will take all efforts to support and preserve the art of making ‘sungudi' saris, unique to Madurai region.

While the Ministry could provide funding, non-governmental agencies will have to play a vital role by taking up initiatives to support this craft, languishing in the recent years, said Mr Rohit Bhardwaj, Joint Director, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Union Ministry of Textiles. He was addressing the valedictory of a 15-day training programme on ‘Revival of sungudi' here recently, organised jointly by the World Crafts Council (WCC) and Crafts Council of India (CCI).

The aim of the programme was to make craftsmen get better returns thereby sustaining the craft, upgrade skills, improve quality, introduce new designs, provide training in making products thatand enable them to gain access to more markets with a new product range.

Mr Rohit said the unique pattern of these saris was popular in several parts of the country, especially in northern States. Ms Usha Krishna, WCC President, said that 800 million craftsmen were practicing the craft in India. The council was conducting awareness programmes on these crafts at schools to sensitise children. A total of six schools in Chennai took part along with three in Andhra Pradesh and one in Bangalore. Such programmes could also be started for schools in Madurai, she added.

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