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Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has expressed concern over the plight of Varanasi’s invaluable craftsmanship, Banarasi sarees, and the skilled weavers of the region. He recently met with a delegation of embroidery artisans from Varanasi during a “People’s Parliament” program. He stated that the artisans’ suffering reflects the story of small-scale artisans and skilled craftspeople across the country today.
Rahul Gandhi met with a delegation of embroidery artisans from Varanasi at the “People’s Parliament” and listened to their problems. The Congress party shared a video of the meeting on its social media, in which the artisans are seen sharing their difficulties with the Congress leader. During the meeting, the artisans told him, “We are also part of ‘Make in India,’ but nobody listens to us.” Rahul said that the most heartbreaking aspect is that the artisans from the very constituency represented by the Prime Minister himself are the ones suffering the most from government neglect.
Artisans Express Their Pain
During the meeting, the artisans said that this sector is now finished and everyone has become unemployed. They said that this work used to be very good at one time, but today it is gone, forcing many to drive rickshaws or take up other jobs. One artisan said that the situation has become very bad and everyone is extremely worried. He explained that lakhs of people are involved in this work, including some women.
‘Artisans Forced to Abandon Traditional Work’
In a social media post, Rahul stated that the artisans have been forced to abandon their traditional work. A large number of people are now dependent on daily wage labor, rickshaw driving, and other menial jobs. He said that the soul of India resides in the threads of Banarasi sarees, but today the artisans who weave these very threads are facing neglect and unemployment. Rahul said, “Yesterday in Parliament, I spoke about the beauty, culture, and history of Banarasi sarees – the soul of India is woven into their threads!” ‘The Identity of Our Festivals and Celebrations’
He further stated, “Banarasi silk sarees and Banarasi embroidery – the very names evoke images of India’s rich art. This tradition, which has continued for centuries, is not just about clothing, but the identity of our civilization, our festivals, and our celebrations.” Rahul said that their pain is the same as the story of millions of small artisans, craftsmen, and skilled workers in India today. He said that their complaint is justified, especially since their Member of Parliament is none other than Prime Minister Modi himself.
‘Unemployment is the Bitterest Truth of Varanasi’
He said that these artisans, victims of government neglect, are forced to abandon their traditional work and take up manual labor or drive rickshaws. He also stated that unemployment has become the bitterest truth of Varanasi. Especially for the youth, all employment opportunities have dried up. Out of desperation, they are forced to leave their city and home and wander to other states and cities in search of work.
The Congress leader said that the skills of these artisans, which were once renowned not only throughout the country but also abroad – the artistry that was of export quality – are now gathering dust. Forget the machines, even their needles come from China and Japan. He questioned, “Where is ‘Make in India’?”
‘We Will Raise Their Voice from the Streets to Parliament’
Rahul Gandhi said that the government is promoting a few capitalists, creating a monopoly for them in the market, and endangering the businesses and very existence of small artisans. He reiterated that a “democratic model of production” is essential to provide employment and a dignified livelihood to the people of India. If this model breaks down, the lives of millions of skilled workers in India, along with the Indian economy, will be ruined. He said that he will continue to raise their voice from the streets to Parliament because the future of India is linked to its skilled and hardworking people.
