Sungudi Sourashtrians garment producers crave for government help

TamilNadu in India has always been a well-known place for the production of Sungudi garments. But the community which is engaged in the fame of this small region, especially, Madurai is being neglected by the government.

Around 5,000 people of the Sourashtrian community are affianced in its production. TamilNadu itself has a population of 20 lakh Sourashtrians. Of these, 2 lakh people live in Madurai. But the thing to ponder upon is such a large number of population is not encouraged or backed by the government.

The representatives of these Sourashtrians are just a few among who are V.G. Ramadoss and K.K. Ramesh. According to the secretary of the Federation of Tie and Dye Association, A.K.Ramesh, the Sungudi manufacturers are taking efforts to cater to all sections and age groups of people with their innovative designs, but are not quite successful because of lack of patronage from the government.

The reason being representatives from their community, though, approached all major parties for seats, but no one was given the chance to contest. With no mention of welfare measures for them in political manifestos of political parties, the Sourashtrians here are a disappointed lot.

The production cost of Sungudi has shot up manifold in the recent years. They want the government to give them an additional unit in the textile park, provide them subsidy and control production cost. They also want a government-run showroom to promote Sungudi garments.

According to Mathanlal, a Sungudi dyeing unit owner, the welfare of Sourashtrians remains neglected for the past few years. But Mr. Ramadoss hails from a family, which was in the business of handlooms for several generations and that he would understands the problems face and they are hopeful that he will take initiatives to safeguard their interests if elected.

P.S.Prabhudas, another dyeing unit owner, presented his view saying that they want a representative, who will control price rise; ensure water and electricity supply. Without electricity and power, their business is slowly fading.

Problems are emerging with no end to them. It is thus upon the new government that they reach these problem confronters and find out a solution to preserve the age-old legacy and prestige of the community.