CHICALIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has stressed the need to revive Goa’s traditional Kunbi art and transform the heritage craft into a sustainable source of livelihood for local communities.
Sawant was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Weaves of Goan Natives’ initiative and Mahila Resource Centre at Joggers Park, Chicalim, in the Dabolim constituency.
The initiative aims to revive Kunbi weaving while creating employment and skill-development opportunities for women.
Sawant praised designer Verma D’Mello for bringing Kunbi designs to contemporary markets, including through modern clothing and products beyond traditional saris.
“The main concept was reviving the Kunbi. I am very happy to see an international-standard designer reviving Kunbi saris and other items related to Kunbi art and the Goan Kunbi tradition,” Sawant said.
He said the government has been supporting Kunbi art for the past eight years as part of its efforts to promote traditional skills and self-reliance under the Swayampurna Goa vision.
During his visit, Sawant inspected the workshop and production unit and interacted with women involved in colouring, designing and manufacturing Kunbi saris and other products.
Dabolim MLA and Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho said the initiative was aimed at reconnecting younger generations with Goa’s traditional art while providing women with opportunities to earn independent incomes.
He said the Mahila Resource Centre has already engaged 75 women, with the first phase targeting employment opportunities for 100 women.
The women will receive training in stitching and take up orders for school uniforms, children’s clothing and other garments. The centre also plans to expand work-from-home opportunities as more orders and skills are added.
Godinho said the shed and stitching machines were arranged through corporate social responsibility support and his personal contribution. The initiative, he said, is being operated on a “no-profit, no-loss” basis, with the focus on generating livelihoods for women.
He also announced plans for a larger youth empowerment shed in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The proposed centre will provide skill development and training, with trained youth to be connected with employment opportunities in hotels and companies.
The initiatives are aimed at preserving Goa’s traditional heritage while creating practical economic opportunities for women and youth.
