Debt traps now spell death for TN goldsmiths

‘‘We are collecting details from the state government so that we are able to help the community, particularly women, who are under tremendous stress,’’ says Nirmala Seetharaman, an NCW member. She had held an interactive session with members of the community in Coimbatore recently. At least 300 widows of suicide victims — the community comprises about 5,000 families — had come for the meeting.

‘‘They are proud people, and instead of I having to lecture them, speakers come out with concrete proposals on how to preserve their ancient skill and yet live through bad times,’’ Seetharaman said. Surprisingly, no one asked for government doles.

The NCW has since proposed to the TN government that ‘‘preserving the skills of goldmiths was a prudent market strategy’’. Its report says, ‘‘Think of the future when, say 20 years down, markets would have a huge demand for handmade jewellery.’’ At present, some of these goldsmiths have been absorbed by jewellery houses and are paid a pittance, the report adds.