C Sekar, Anakaputhur Jute Weavers Association
- Nidhi Shegokar
- Aug 27, 2023
- 3 min read
C Sekar, hailing from Anakaputhur on the outskirts of Pallavaram in Tamil Nadu, serves as the president of the Natural Fibre Weavers Association. His renown, however, extends far beyond local boundaries. A trailblazer in the realm of weaving with natural plant-derived fibres, including banana stem, aloe vera, vetiver, jute, hemp, pineapple, and bamboo among others, Sekar pioneers a diverse spectrum of 25 plant fibre varieties. In 2011, he gained recognition in the Limca Book of Records for fashioning a sari from an impressive array of 25 distinct natural fibres. His dedication and expertise are evident as he proceeds to demonstrate the intricate process involved.
Sekar is resolute in preserving a rich legacy. Anakaputhur, known for its production of Madras-checked fabric exported to Nigeria, faced a setback when fabric imports were banned in 1966. In the 1970s, the village boasted 5,000 looms across households, each equipped with five looms. Today, the number has diminished to merely 100. Recognizing the decline of weavers in Anakaputhur, a suburb near Chennai airport, Sekar ingeniously revitalised the industry through sustainable practices. A third-generation weaver, Sekar's father, P Chenchiya, persevered through adversities to sustain the family vocation. Determined to revive the once-thriving weaving community, Sekar, driven by a desire to prevent its decline, embarked on a mission to foster eco-friendly practices. Over the past 15 years, Sekar has guided the weaving community's complete transition to natural fibres.
With a plank of split banana stem, Sekar adeptly scrapes away the flesh and juices, extracting bare fibres. These fibres are then meticulously collected, dried in sunlight for enhanced strength, and subsequently spun into yarn, often intermingled with cotton threads. Dyed using natural colours, the yarn is then mounted on looms, resulting in the creation of captivating saris and fabrics. The woven textiles are further treated with cow dung and beneficial herbs, such as tulsi and mint, to ensure skin-friendly attributes.
Sekar describes the process of weaving with natural fibres as manual and intricate, emphasising its labour-intensive nature. Due to limited funding for a dedicated weaving centre, Sekar has ingeniously utilised his space by modifying the floor for looms and weaving stations. This innovation, combined with advancements in loom technology, has significantly reduced the time required for saris to be woven, from several weeks to just three days.
by The Times of India
The abundance of banana cultivation in Tamil Nadu presents ample opportunities for organic weaves, according to Sekar. Notably recognized by the Limca Book of Records and garnering international accolades, Sekar's commitment to empowering women and promoting eco-friendly practices remains unwavering. Despite his global recognition, his efforts remain relatively unknown among Chennai's local populace, indicative of the lack of government support for the fading tradition of weaving.
Sekar's initiative is a fully eco-conscious endeavour, utilising exclusively natural materials throughout the production process, from dyes to processing, thereby eliminating chemical usage. Employing a team of 30 weavers, the cost of production remains a challenge, despite utilising natural dyes extracted from products like turmeric, coffee, tea, indigo, beetroot, tulsi, and cow dung. In a year, they utilise 1,000 kilograms of fibre to craft 250 saris, 300 metres of yardage, and 400 handicrafts from natural materials. Sekar envisions further expansion, leveraging machinery with potential government grants, despite space constraints. His products are now sold through designers, government handicrafts, handloom boards, and social media platforms. If Sekar's endeavours come to fruition, Anakaputhur could become renowned for its exceptional 100% banana fibre saris, shirts, and fabrics on a global scale.