For the Khatik community from Derwada, life in Rajasthan has been a constant struggle for recognition. With hollow promises made at each election, the community seems to have no hope that their hardships will ever come to an end. Shambhulal Khatik wants to become the voice of this disenfranchised community and others like it. He wants to report on the…

Shambhulal Khatik

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Our VV Correspondent Shambulal Khattik  reports from Delwara,Nathdwara district, Rajasthan where despite the pottery community making pottery for past few centuries it’s an art that is dying.  The unique skills and abilities are being lost to the young generation who are being attracted to higher paid professions.    Call to Action: Shambulalurges the government to look into the potter’s distress. The government must wake up to the importance of this traditional art and help promote it the way other state governments have helped sustain the livelihoods of the local artisans and craftsmen. Mangilal Kumar a potter informs our Correspondent, “My father taught me pottery 55 years ago.  But then there was no one to continue it.  There is a lot of hard work in this profession but its low paid.” Dhulji Kumar continues to do pottery work aged 65.  He showcases his pottery making in a hotel in his village and makes a living from it.  Visitors are impressed by his work.  “We would bring soil ourselves and mold it.  My grandfather and father taught me this art and we are still continuing it. You can earn your bread and butter with this work, but you cannot become rich.”   Watch more videos like this by clicking on this link.   Written by Manjinder Singh Sidhu   Related Link.