It was founded in 1981 by six women who worked in the craft and development sector, including Laila Tyabji, Dastkar's current Chairperson. Dastkar strongly believes in "craft" as a social, cultural and economic force that, despite being marginalized due to urbanisation and industrialization, has the strength and potential to play a vital role within the economic mainstream of the country. The crux
of Dastkar's programme is to help craftspeople, especially women, to use their own traditional craft skills as a means of employment, income generation and economic self-sufficiency. Dastkar guides the process of developing a craft - from identifying the skill and creating awareness of its potential, in both craftsperson and consumer, to developing, designing, costing and then marketing the product, and finally suggesting the proper usages and investment of the income generated. The objective is to make craftspeople self-reliant, independent of both the commercial middleman and of organisations like Dastkar, by allowing them to market and sell contemporary products directly, and not simply subsist through subsidised craft. Craft skills range from textile based craft producer groups to terracotta. The product ranges developed include garments and accessories, home furnishings and decor, toys, stationery, and folk art. Dastkar ensures that the end product is competitive, not just in its worthiness of purpose or the neediness of its producer, but in cost utility and aesthetic - a consumer does not buy out of compassion! As groups become self-sufficient, Dastkar directs its support to new groups and assists them in their growth. Presently, Dastkar provides a range of support services including skill upgradation, design workshops and training in production and management to many of the 600 plus craftgroups it works with from across most Indian states. All groups benefit from the marketing activities Dastkar undertakes through the organisation of its regular Bazaars and Exhibitions. These Dastkar Bazaars and Exhibitions, where artisans sell their products directly to the customers, expose craftspeople to the market and gives them a firsthand knowledge of customer tastes and market trends. Dastkar also has an export licence, thus enabling it to provide an alternative international market for craftspeople, developing exclusive items for individual customers and orders. Apart from the support services and craft development consultancies Dastkar provides to its own family of producer groups, it is also regularly asked to provide evaluation and consultancy services to other government, non-government and international agencies. Its Delhi office team travels all over India, and it has sister organisations in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. We hold bazaars on distinctive themes all around the year at Nature Bazaar, Andheria Modh, New Delhi and in various Metro Cities. During non bazaar days our special lane i.e. Gali-E-Khaas comprising of select craft groups from India, showcasing fine handicrafts, handloom and natural products is open at Nature Bazaar Andheria Modh, New Delhi from 11am-7pm, Daily except on Wednesdays.
