Kerala Souvenir Network aims to tackle Chinese invasion on souvenir market
The Hindu
As part of the Kerala Souvenir Network project, branded souvenirs will be available in resorts, tourist destinations and Responsible Tourism Mission’s web portal.
An artisan of exquisite talent from Wayanad, Biju Babu weaves magic into bamboo, crafting artifacts of unrivalled beauty that echo the unique allure of Kerala.
Yet, his painstaking craftmanship is being eclipsed by an avalanche of inexpensive Chinese imitations flooding the local market. “I am disheartened. It is casting a long shadow over my creative endeavours and industrious spirit, “ Mr. Babu says.
Also read |Kerala Souvenir Network to make available State’s unique artefacts to tourists
Across the nation, it has become increasingly commonplace to find trinkets and mementos bearing the emblem of Kerala. Yet these soulless souvenirs churned out in far-flung factories in China or North India, offer no true link to Kerala’s vibrant culture and heritage.
“On closer inspection we find that they are neither made in Kerala, nor handmade. You need not be surprised to find a ‘Made in China’ inscription on it,” said Jaiji Elizabeth, an artisan from Kozhikode narrated her experience.
For artistans like Babu and Elizabeth, however, a flicker of optimism is emerging, courtesy of the intervention of the Kerala government.
The Kerala Souvenir Network, launched by Tourism Minister P.A.Mohammed Riyas on Thursday, is percieved to be a solution to this crisis.
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