Festive time is approaching. Thanksgiving is around the corner and it reminds me of Thanksgiving gifts, toys, costumes, presents to I have been giving and getting in the past. How I was touched by some of the gifts I received.
In the past I have always given flowers on Thanksgiving. Flowers can fuel a flaming passion, calm a raging jealousy and or comfort a living being. Presenting flowers is a romantic social folkway. Aside from romantic and literary delights, saying anything with flowers is the best form of saying anything in human relationship. But this time I am thinking of presenting Thanksgiving gift basket to some of my family members (seniors) and of course followers for some and toys for the kids.
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Dolls of the World - FAQs
From information we got from internet, we would also like to start an income generating measure: what must we do?
Motivation to do something, inspiration and vision and the readiness to find a new way and a new product are necessary to start.
How can we manufacture dolls in traditional clothes economically?
It is not the cheap manufacturing that should be the main consideration rather affectionate conversion of traditional dresses into dolls.
How do you judge the use of technology in the manufacture of handicraft?
The use of technology should always be seen in connection with the quantity; use of machine means larger and larger quantity, reduction in price and reduction in the individual quality of these products. Investments need finance. Even if you get the machines as donation, please don’t forget the cost for its operation and maintenance.
We are a group of about 60 women, who would like to earn money, how many dolls must we manufacture in order to generate regular income?
The idea of the project is based on completely different assumptions, namely the idea of culturally friendly manufacturing. It always has more to do with earning some additional income along with income from agriculture; therefore the intention here is not to do this as a full time day job (8 hours per day).
How much do we earn from one doll?
A doll is manufactured as a rule by a trained woman. She is independent in her work and not employed and it is up to her to distribute her work according to her possibilities. The sales price also includes cost of material and transport. The income of the doll maker is about 30% of the sales price.
How can we manufacture dolls in a rational, effective and optimal manner?
It is possible that there is a misunderstanding. Unique handicraft products and dolls should be manufactured with affection and individually. Each piece is different than the other.
How can we get cheap materials (polyester cloth, industrial thread)? Is this a good starting position for handicraft manufacture?
The traditional handicraft is based on local, traditional materials; therefore modern materials are not suitable! Appropriate products must be developed from suitable materials like washable animal figures, balls etc.
Your manufacturing process does not appear to be very economical, why don’t you let clothes, shoes and accessories to be manufactured cheaply in a factory?
Since each piece is individually manufactured, the trained women should also get a fair income from their effort.
We want to start a factory for production of dolls, can you help us?
In principle yes, if it is clear to you, that these products have nothing to do with the idea of the DOLLS OF THE WORLD project.
Are the members of such an NGO project organized in unions?
The project is directed towards people in the rural areas, who were organized in traditional ways, but are today members of their own NGO, it is rather members of the city culture, who are organized in unions.
How big is the foreign influence on the local NGOs?
The idea of the project relates to sensitizing and schooling of the village women as well as guidance towards independent entrepreneurship, which can only be successful, when the idea of the project is clearly understood by the members.
Can you please send us statistical and other information for research and study project?
Interested persons can of course carry out field studies and work out the necessary information; many students also carry out different studies, and counseling can be provided if needed.
How many villages / NGOs can be integrated into manufacture of dolls?
The decisive question is not how many villages can participate in the project, but the marketing and the available capabilities, which have their limitations in the villages.
Which project information’s are available to interested persons?
A study by Dr. Senta Siller is available with the heritage museum Lok Virsa in Islamabad, Pakistan; if you type the project name and the name of volunteers on web you can get a lot of information.
How much money can I earn as a volunteer in the self health project?
All volunteers earn the same: nothing. They pay for their journey and all other costs themselves.
How can I participate in the self-help projects?
Young, middle aged and old persons can participates in the projects, if they are ready to collect experiences in different cultures; there are also introductions by German speaking coaches, who discuss the different possibilities of engagement.
Who can finance my participation?
This depends on the individual capacity of the interested persons.
How can a new group manufacture traditional dolls in best of quality?
Step by step.
Who can take over the function of the leader?
All persons, who are well versed in design, ethnology and materials processing.
What are the responsibilities of the group leadership?
- Source research for local dresses (Museums, Bazaars, etc.)
- Introduction of the project
- Organizing the group of interested persons – registrations as NGO
- Look for suitable working space
- Arrange small tools and materials
- Development of product in the group
- Making the first sample of doll clothing
- Manufacturing or buying doll jeweler , shoes and hairs
- Training of the artisans with an eye for detail
- Quality control
- Costume
- Wage accounts
- Accounting and book keeping
Which target groups can be approached at first in the country of manufacture?
- Diplomats
- Tourists
- Representative of international firms
- Teachers, parents and students of international educational institutes
- Anybody who wants to buy presents and souvenirs
How can the products be marketed economically?
- At festivals and in bazaars
- In museums – Shops
- In churches
- In hotels
- At airports
Who can market the product responsibly and cost effectively?
- The management of the group
- Members of the group and their families
- Volunteers
- Retailers with profit percentage
What possibilities of advertising are available?
- Handouts
- Press
- Radio
- Television
- Film on DVD
- Internet
Tags: Networking, Self Help, Thatta Kedona, FAQs
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In Greenland
The idea for the project originated in the year 2002 and is based on the location of the west to east greenland. At first there were various contacts between Narsalik and Qaqortoq and in 2006 a meeting with the director of the group in greenland was held. The meeting took place in the south of the island.
The pre-conditions for the project were good due to the parallels in the locations as well as the income generating factors sheep breeding and tourism.
After the activities came to a standstill and difficulties regarding deadlines and financing emerged but also as first orders for the Inuit-Dolls were received, the project was revived by arranging the finance and a visit to Kulusuk was undertaken in September 2007.
Complete manufacturing of the Inuit-Dolls is also not feasible here as the manufacturing of the naked doll would be too expensive here. For this purpose the doll bodies from Pakistan are used here. However, the hair and skin type as well as the face form correspond to the Greenland.
The pre-conditions for the project were good due to the parallels in the locations as well as the income generating factors sheep breeding and tourism.
After the activities came to a standstill and difficulties regarding deadlines and financing emerged but also as first orders for the Inuit-Dolls were received, the project was revived by arranging the finance and a visit to Kulusuk was undertaken in September 2007.
Complete manufacturing of the Inuit-Dolls is also not feasible here as the manufacturing of the naked doll would be too expensive here. For this purpose the doll bodies from Pakistan are used here. However, the hair and skin type as well as the face form correspond to the Greenland.
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It is in this milieu that Vehicle Reimbursement program is one of the best options for companies with mobile employees. This saves a lot of money.
Corporate Reimbursement Services, Inc. clients are saving an average of nearly $3,000 per driver per year when reimbursing their drivers for the same vehicle they had been previously providing to them. The areas in which their clients report the greatest savings are Administrative Costs, Personal Use Expense, Maintenance Costs, Idle Vehicle / Disposal Costs and Capital Expense.
Besides companies, drivers benefit too. Studies have shown that when drivers are provided with two options: Choose from a limited selection of company provided vehicles or receive the cash equivalent of the company provided vehicle, tax-free, to apply toward the vehicle of your choice, they mostly settle for second option. So it will be best when both sides can benefit from the option - Vehicle Reimbursement. Explore the site and see what they do and how.
It is in this milieu that Vehicle Reimbursement program is one of the best options for companies with mobile employees. This saves a lot of money.
Corporate Reimbursement Services, Inc. clients are saving an average of nearly $3,000 per driver per year when reimbursing their drivers for the same vehicle they had been previously providing to them. The areas in which their clients report the greatest savings are Administrative Costs, Personal Use Expense, Maintenance Costs, Idle Vehicle / Disposal Costs and Capital Expense.
Besides companies, drivers benefit too. Studies have shown that when drivers are provided with two options: Choose from a limited selection of company provided vehicles or receive the cash equivalent of the company provided vehicle, tax-free, to apply toward the vehicle of your choice, they mostly settle for second option. So it will be best when both sides can benefit from the option - Vehicle Reimbursement. Explore the site and see what they do and how.
Ramla's Journey of Hope
I'm in Punjab. Making micro-documentaries. As part of the Hope Express project... which the team decided to convert into a short films/ mini documentaries project - rather than a train journey project. So I grabbed my brother's Sony Handycam, and decided to film whatever inspires me on an unplanned journey.
I went to PakPattan from Aug 3-6, returned to Lahore and stayed a night at the beautiful and gifted fashion entrepreneur Maria B's. Met S A J Shirazi, a traveler n prolific blogger/ writer.
He pointed me to Thatta Ghulam da Dheroka, where the Thatta Khedona brand hand dolls originate from. I let go of an obsession to 'go up North' and hopped on a car, bus, rickshaw, van and finally a taxi to get here yesterday.
Back to Lahore today and wondering what next? Don't want to stay in one place for too long! Hope to settle in a new place in Lahore or go elsewhere - I have a mental plan to return to Karachi by August 18. Let's see where Allah takes me next between today & then!
My wonderfully caring hosts at PakPattan (Dastgir of Sabri Langar Khana) & Lahore (Afia & family) have made an uncertain journey very comfortable!
Alhamdolillah!
I miss going North, but right now, carrying the message of a benevolent transformation across to people, while watching the Face of God wherever I turn, seem to take precedence as an intent!
Allah does best!
Family Beach Vacation
Traveling is one of my passions ever since I can remember. I travel to lose myself; and I travel, next, to find myself. I travel to open my hearts and eyes and learn more about the world. I try to add what little I can, in existing knowledge about those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And every destination has a story (also history and heritage), as they say. Which is why, I keep a watch on different location and packages to plan for spending my next vacation. Right now I want to go to new Jersey.
All those who desire to have vacation in America, as it should be seen, need to start with New Jersey attractions. Have a look at family beach vacation and you will know why I am suggesting and why this is on my wish list.
What is more, you can enjoy Morey's Piers -- the largest amusement piers in the world, located on the boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey. Morey's Piers offers over 100 exciting amusement park rides and attractions, including two large beachfront waterparks, kiddie rides, roller coasters and more. Avoid the long theme park lines and come enjoy a classic seaside amusement park with your family. You can even ask about birthdays, group events and packages, youth events, and corporate picnics and discounts.
Explore the site and see what they are offering and how. Better still be there.
All those who desire to have vacation in America, as it should be seen, need to start with New Jersey attractions. Have a look at family beach vacation and you will know why I am suggesting and why this is on my wish list.
What is more, you can enjoy Morey's Piers -- the largest amusement piers in the world, located on the boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey. Morey's Piers offers over 100 exciting amusement park rides and attractions, including two large beachfront waterparks, kiddie rides, roller coasters and more. Avoid the long theme park lines and come enjoy a classic seaside amusement park with your family. You can even ask about birthdays, group events and packages, youth events, and corporate picnics and discounts.
Explore the site and see what they are offering and how. Better still be there.
Churail in the Village
The lives of the residents of this village changed 15 years when a German art teacher took up her student Amjad's invite and visited his village: Thatta Ghulam da Dheroka.An enterprising spirit, she asked the villagers about their craft. The women showed her hand-made rag dolls. The art teacher, Dr Senta Siller, told the villagers she could teach them to make refined hand-made dolls.
Thus spun off a social enterprise in this 200-house strong village that has changed the way of life and living here. Women have a school. The village has a road. They experimented with alternative energy very early on, and now are undertaking community energy & food projects.
The women from this conservative village now go on study tours with the Germans. The villagers have learned about sanitation, childcare, and eco-friendly living. Cleanliness is rewarded here.
Above all, these changes were brought within the system, without breaking down the structure violently.
The whole village participates in the making of the dolls, which represent the four provinces of Pakistan. The original doll is called, "Churail."
This is my peek into their lives. More here!
The Award
Coveted UNESCO award “Seal of Excellence 2007” was conferred upon Women Art Center of AFA in Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka. In Islamabad, an International Jury selected the dolls project on September 12-13, 2007. This is how a small village project won the award!
Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka - The Toy Village - is the name of the village in Punjab, about which a lot has been written, about its unique and special concept, Thatta Kedona is the name under which the handicraft products of the village and institutions connected to it within and outside the country are marketed.
“Thatta Kedona” is quite different in nature as compared to other NGO's or similar institutions: Help and support is provided to the people within the countryside, because “if the villagers earn some money, they are not forced to move to the cities, which are already overburdened with many problems”.The agricultural activity in the village is not sufficient and therefore it is necessary to provide opportunities for additional income in the villages. This can be done by promoting the traditional culture and its conversion into handicrafts. The approach must always be understood in its totality and implemented properly.
The income generated through agriculture may be minimal, it may infact be just sufficient to meets the needs of basic food and simple shelter, but the cost of living in the village is definitely cheaper than the city; the push into the cities enables only the least of the migrants the promised benefits. The steadily increasing productivity of the urban industrial work place ruins not only the rural work place, but specially the life in the city; industrial production and global economics require increase in consumer base and destruction of resources, - in totality therefore not a great concept for the future.
“Thatta Kedona” propagates instead of a a mild effort rather Help Towards Self-Help, “Thatta Kedona” is not an instrument for development and financing of individual family interests nor is it an attemp at religious, political or educational infiltration !
“Thatta Kedona” does not exist with the help of donations or charity of the city dwellers, who may derive satisfaction from a good deed, -this is not compatible with the concept of Help Towards Self-Help: Donations and Alms help only superficially and encourage dependence, -a danger, which was already recognized by the founder of Pakistan and who warned against it.
In the so often propagated Global World, it is of much importance within a state to support Self-Help efforts on one hand to direct the population according to the available resources. If this does not happen, the increasing consumer behaviour kills the initiatives, which becomes known not in the beginning but at a much later stage, when reforms become impossible to implement.
The city culture is international and the problems in the cities worldwide similar, the traditional culture of diverse regions is something special and needs to be protected and supported, - Thatta Kedona is a metaphore for a change in the way of thinking: The future lies in the countryside!
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Marriage Customes and Culture in Pakistan
Pakistan is a land of thousand faces, a country simply overflowing with cultural richness. Whatever the preferences, a wedding in Pakistan is good display of customs, traditions, many of which are heavily influenced by foreign customs. Marriage is an important social celebration and people participate with passion and enthusiasm. The rites are imbued with a certain sentiment appeal.
Demographically, Pakistan is divided in rural hinterland and urban areas. Common among marriages in rural and urban areas are Mangnee, Mayoon, Mehndi, Nikah, Valima and living happily ever after. But the way these colourful rituals are performed greatly vary.
Rural areas of Pakistan still remain a largely conservative society, where many young people shy away when it comes to marriages. Exceptions apart, arranged marriages are a cornerstone of rural society. It remains the responsibility of parents and marriages are mostly among people within the same tribe, caste, community, family or locality.
This is what happens in rural areas with some minor changes from place to place: After initial understanding and covert messages between families of prospective spouses, the boy's relatives visit the girl's family and offer the proposal, on formal acceptance the "mangni" (engagement) takes place, marriage date is fixed, groom, with friends and relatives goes to the house of the bride in the form of barat (marriage procession) where the nikah (social contact) is performed. The consent of the bride and the groom to the marriage (ijab and qabool) in the presence of at least two witnesses is obtained to solemnize the contract as per the commandment of divine Islam. Guests are served with sumptuous food (notwithstanding what the law of the land says about the feast). Groom brings home his the bride. This is followed by Walima. Life goes on . . .
Moreover, on the arrival of barat, the dowry is displayed for every one to see and at the same place groom's female relatives show what they have gifted (jewellery and clothing) to the bride. Both sides glorify the gifts. Paradoxically, in Punjab, a night earlier than the marriage date, groom visits homes of his friends and relatives where he is offered money. Other gifts mostly in the form of money (salami) or garlands made of currency notes are presented when groom gets ready for going to bride's home. Customarily, groom dresses up in attire presented to him by one of his sisters and in return, he gives to his sister(s) what she demands. There are no marriage halls and the congregations take place in homes and or community centres (called Daras). There are no caterers. Local tradesmen prepare food and serve.
As per the available statistics, divorce rate in the rustic areas is comparatively lower. The core join family system is still in tact and that is one of the reasons for low divorce rate. At the other hand, marriages at very young age, consanguineous marriages, marriages without consent of the partners and cross marriages are common.
There is not much of a variation in the core marriage ceremonies in urban areas, only the way they are performed differ. In the cities, the assertive sons and daughters of an educated middle-class are finding new ways of meeting their match. Although many still have arranged marriages, it is no longer unheard of for couples to marry after having fallen in love or meting over the Internet or in a TV show. Court marriages are also not very uncommon.
Difference in thinking between modern urban elites and traditional rural families is reflected in marriages in many ways. Norms in the urban society have changed over the years and they are on the constant move. Vulnerable to satellite TV, Internet, higher education and affluence, urban population is open and highly receptive to the waves of modernity. Unlike in the past, the selection of marriage partners now is done from the groups that are similar in social characteristics. In present times, urbanites are now most likely to marry individuals who are in similar social group, educational attainment and social class.
Another interesting pattern that is now visible is the strong influence of the western society, which has now trickled down its norms to our youth who have proudly inculcated them into being 'ours'. People in urban areas are slowly but surely moving towards the conjugal family system from our traditional and inherited consanguine system. Twenty years ago the scenario in Pakistani cities was quite the contrary.
Families in urban areas are strongly influenced by the environment and by technology in particular. To take a historic overview, as Pakistani society industrialised some 25 years ago, families lost their old patterns and received changed values. This resulted among other things, in smaller families in urban areas of Pakistan. In addition many of the functions, once attributed to the families became the responsibilities of other institutions and individuals. It was because of the shift to a more formal societal structure that romantic love is replaced by economic and social reasons as a factor influencing the choice of a marriage partner. The role of women has also changed as the family is losing control over the destinies of its female members.
Matchmaking by the third party is a preferred way now. This has given rise to match making business. Interested people are asked to provide details of eligible sons and daughters, as well as their requirements from a spouse and matchmakers do rest of he job. Marriages take place at marriage halls and hotels instead of homes. Dowry, usually, is sent to the bride's home before the marriage.
The affluence and wealth makes a large difference in weeding ceremonies, in rural as well as urban areas. The more people have, the more elaborate are the rituals. But spirit everywhere remains the same.
Thatta Ghulamka Dgeroka - Quality of Life
Best mud hut in Thatta Ghulamka Dgeroka
Best exterior
Best brick house
Thatta Kedona stall
Growing with Thatta Kedona
Meeting
Volunteers at work
Some of those who work togather to make all that happen
More images in daily zeitgeist down the sidebar.
گڑیوں نے گاؤں کو بدل دیا
جرمنی کے دارالحکومت برلن کے جنوب مغرب میں واقع ایک خوبصورت اور تاریخی شہر پاٹس ڈیم کی ایک گلی شہر کے لوگوں کے لیے خاص طور پر دلچسپی کا باعث ہے، جہاں سےگزرنے والے راہگیر اکثر تین سو سال پرانے ایک گھر کے داخلی دروازے کے پاس دیوار پہ لگی پیتل کی اس تختی کو نہایت تجسس سے دیکھتے ہیں جس پر اس گھر کا نام لکھا ہے۔
گھر کا نام ہے ’پاکستان ہاؤس‘۔ عام حالات میں تو یہ دلچسپی محض متجسس نگاہوں تک ہی محدود رہتی ہے لیکن پچھلے سال فٹ بال کے عالمی کپ کے مقابلوں کے دوران گھر کے باہر پولیس کی گاڑیوں کی ایک لمبی قطار دیکھ کر پاٹس ڈیم کے شہریوں کی دلچسپی میں مزید اضافہ ہوا۔ گھر کے مکینوں کے خیال میں یہ ایک غیر ضروری اقدام تھا لیکن شہر میں آس پاس کے علاقوں سے بڑی تعداد میں نوجوانوں کی موجودگی کی وجہ سے مقامی پولیس نے اس گھر کو خصوصی تحفظ مہیا کرنا ضروری سمجھا۔
اس گھر کو پاکستان ہاؤس کا نام کیوں دیا گیا ہے، اس کے پیچھے بے لوث محبت، انسانی خلوص اور لگن کی کہانی ہے۔ اس گھر کے مالک ڈاکٹر ناربرٹ پنچش اور ان کی اہلیہ ڈاکٹر سینتا سلر نو سال قبل اس گھرمیں منتقل ہوئے تو انہوں نے اس کا نام پاکستان ہاؤس رکھا۔ پاکستان کے ساتھ ان کی محبت کا صرف یہی ایک ثبوت نہیں ہے بلکہ گھر کے اندر ہر کمرے میں پاکستان اور اس کی ثقافت سے گہرے تعلق کا ثبوت ملتا ہے۔گھر کے عقبی باغیچے کی دیوار پر پاکستان کا بہت بڑا پرچم آویزاں ہے جس کے ساتھ ہی پاکستان کا ایک قدیم کارچوبی دروازہ نصب ہے۔ گھر کے اندر بھی مختلف دیواروں پر پاکستانی پرچم، تصاویر اور الماریوں میں دستکاری کے نمونے سجے ہیں۔ لیکن سب سے اہم دالان کے کونے میں وہ چھوٹا سا کمرہ ہے جو پاکستان کے چاروں صوبوں کے قومی لباسوں میں ملبوس گڑیوں کے لیے مخصوص ہے۔ اور یہی گڑیاں پاکستان کے ساتھ سینتا سلر کے تعلق کی علامت ہیں۔
سینتا سلر پہلی بار 1990 میں اپنے ایک شاگرد امجد علی کی دعوت پہ آئی تھیں۔ امجد کا تعلق ٹھٹہ غلام کا سے ہے اور وہ اُس وقت برلن کے اس کالج میں گرافک ڈیزائن کی تعلیم حاصل کر رہے تھے جہاں سینتا وائس پرنسپل تھیں۔ اپنے اس سفر کے دوران سینتا گاؤں کی عورتوں کی حالت سے بہت متاثر ہوئیں اور انہوں نے تبھی طے کر لیا تھا کہ وہ ان عورتوں کے حالات بہتر کرنے کے لیے کچھ کریں گی
یہ گڑیاں پنجاب کے شہر اوکاڑہ کے قریب ایک گاؤں ٹھٹہ غلام کا دھیروکا کی عورتیں بناتی ہیں جو دنیا بھر کے عالمی میلوں اور عجائب گھروں میں لوگوں کو پاکستانی ثقافت سے روشناس کراتی ہیں جن میں ہینوور ایکسپو 2000، دبئی کا عالمی میلہ، نیورمبرگ کا عالمی میلہ ، آئیس لینڈ کا گڑیوں کا عجائب گھر اور یونان کا ’بیناکی‘ عجائب گھر شامل ہیں۔
ان عورتوں کو خواب و خیال میں بھی اندازہ نہیں تھا کہ ان کی محنت اور ہنرمندی انہیں کامیابی کی ان منزلوں تک پہنچا دے گی۔
لیکن اس سے بھی بڑھ کر ان کی اور سینتا سلر کی کامیابی کا ثبوت وہ شہرت ہے جو جنوبی امریکہ کے ملک کولمبیا سے لیکر افریقہ میں کیمرون تک پہنچ چکی ہے اور جہاں کی عورتوں نےسینتا سے درخواست کی کہ وہ ان کے گاؤں میں بھی دستکاری کاایک ایسا ہی پراجیکٹ شروع کریں۔ چنا نچہ اپنی مدد آپ کے اصول پہ مبنی پاکستانی عورتوں کی کامیابی کی یہ کہانی اب کولمبیا اور کیمرون میں بھی دہرائی جا رہی ہے۔
یوں تو ہاتھ سے گڑیاں بنانے کی روایت پاکستان اور برصغیر میں بہت پرانی ہے لیکن سینتا سلرکی شاگردی میں ٹھٹہ غلام کا کی عورتوں نے اس ہنر کو اپنے ہاتھ کی صفائی اورنفاست سے فن کا درجہ دے دیا ہے۔ لیکن بقول سینتا سلر ان گڑیوں کی اصل عظمت یہ ہے کہ یہ گڑیاں اپنے بنانے والوں کی خود انحصاری اور خود اعتمادی کی علامت بن گئی ہیں۔
کشمیری، پنجابی، سندھی، بلوچی اور قلاشی لباس اور زیورات میں سجی سجائی یہ گڑیاں پاکستان میں تین چار ہزار روپے اور مغربی ممالک میں ایک سو ڈالر تک بکتی ہیں اور ٹھٹھہ غلام کا کی عورتوں کے لیے آمدنی کا ذریعہ ہیں۔ سینتا سلر کا کہنا ہے : ’اگرچہ اس پراجیکٹ کا بنیادی مقصد عورتوں کو خود کفیل بنانا تھا لیکن شروع ہی سےاجتماعی ترقی بھی منصوبے کا اہم پہلو تھا اور ہم نےاپنے طریقہ کار میں پورے گاؤں کا معیار زندگی بلند کرنے کی کوشش کی۔ عورتوں کے لیے روزگار مہیا کرنے، انکے رہن سہن اورگھریلو ماحول کو بہتر کرنے کے ساتھ ساتھ ان کی تعلیم و فنی تربیت کو بہتر کرنا بھی اس پراجیکٹ کے بنیادی فلسفے کا حصہ ہے‘۔
یوں تو ہاتھ سے گڑیاں بنانے کی روایت پاکستان اور بر صغیر میں بہت پرانی ہے لیکن سینتا سلرکی شاگردی میں ٹھٹہ غلام کا کی عورتوں نے اس ہنر کو اپنے ہاتھ کی صفائی اور نفاست سے فن کا درجہ دے دیا ہے
سینتا کہتی ہیں کہ اگر لوگوں کو گاؤں میں ہی روزگار مہیا ہو اور ان کا معیار زندگی بہتر ہو جائے تو گاؤں چھوڑ کر شہروں کو نقل مکانی کا رجحان بھی کم ہوگا۔
لاہور سے 170 کلو میٹر دور اوکاڑہ کے قریب اس چھوٹے سے گاؤں میں سینتا سلر پہلی بار 1990 میں اپنے ایک شاگرد امجد علی کی دعوت پر گئی تھیں۔ امجد کا تعلق ٹھٹہ غلام کا سے ہے اور وہ اُس وقت برلن کے اس کالج میں گرافک ڈیزائن کی تعلیم حاصل کر رہے تھے جہاں سینتا وائس پرنسپل تھیں۔ اپنے اس سفر کے دوران سینتا گاؤں کی عورتوں کی حالت سے بہت متاثر ہوئیں اور انہوں نے تبھی طے کر لیا تھا کہ وہ ان عورتوں کے حالات بہتر کرنے کے لیے کچھ کریں گی۔
چنا نچہ1993 میں کالج سے ریٹائرہونے پر بغیر کسی بیرونی مالی امداد کے وہ کپڑے کاٹنے کی ایک قینچی اور سوئی دھاگے کی چھوٹی سی پوٹلی لیے ٹھٹہ غلام کا پہنچ گئیں۔ گاؤں کےلو گوں نے انہیں ایک چھوٹا سا کچا کوٹھا رہنے کے لیے دیااور انہوں نے آہستہ آہستہ گاؤں کی عورتوں کو سلائی کڑھائی اور گڑیاں بنانے کی جانب راغب کیا ۔ ابتداء میں نہ تو عورتوں کو اس کام کی افادیت کا اندازہ تھا اور نہ ہی گھر کے مرد ایک مغربی عورت کی صحبت کو پسندیدگی کی نگاہ سے دیکھتے تھے۔
گھر کا نام ہے ’پاکستان ہاؤس‘۔ عام حالات میں تو یہ دلچسپی محض متجسس نگاہوں تک ہی محدود رہتی ہے لیکن پچھلے سال فٹ بال کے عالمی کپ کے مقابلوں کے دوران گھر کے باہر پولیس کی گاڑیوں کی ایک لمبی قطار دیکھ کر پاٹس ڈیم کے شہریوں کی دلچسپی میں مزید اضافہ ہوا۔ گھر کے مکینوں کے خیال میں یہ ایک غیر ضروری اقدام تھا لیکن شہر میں آس پاس کے علاقوں سے بڑی تعداد میں نوجوانوں کی موجودگی کی وجہ سے مقامی پولیس نے اس گھر کو خصوصی تحفظ مہیا کرنا ضروری سمجھا۔
اس گھر کو پاکستان ہاؤس کا نام کیوں دیا گیا ہے، اس کے پیچھے بے لوث محبت، انسانی خلوص اور لگن کی کہانی ہے۔ اس گھر کے مالک ڈاکٹر ناربرٹ پنچش اور ان کی اہلیہ ڈاکٹر سینتا سلر نو سال قبل اس گھرمیں منتقل ہوئے تو انہوں نے اس کا نام پاکستان ہاؤس رکھا۔ پاکستان کے ساتھ ان کی محبت کا صرف یہی ایک ثبوت نہیں ہے بلکہ گھر کے اندر ہر کمرے میں پاکستان اور اس کی ثقافت سے گہرے تعلق کا ثبوت ملتا ہے۔گھر کے عقبی باغیچے کی دیوار پر پاکستان کا بہت بڑا پرچم آویزاں ہے جس کے ساتھ ہی پاکستان کا ایک قدیم کارچوبی دروازہ نصب ہے۔ گھر کے اندر بھی مختلف دیواروں پر پاکستانی پرچم، تصاویر اور الماریوں میں دستکاری کے نمونے سجے ہیں۔ لیکن سب سے اہم دالان کے کونے میں وہ چھوٹا سا کمرہ ہے جو پاکستان کے چاروں صوبوں کے قومی لباسوں میں ملبوس گڑیوں کے لیے مخصوص ہے۔ اور یہی گڑیاں پاکستان کے ساتھ سینتا سلر کے تعلق کی علامت ہیں۔
سینتا سلر پہلی بار 1990 میں اپنے ایک شاگرد امجد علی کی دعوت پہ آئی تھیں۔ امجد کا تعلق ٹھٹہ غلام کا سے ہے اور وہ اُس وقت برلن کے اس کالج میں گرافک ڈیزائن کی تعلیم حاصل کر رہے تھے جہاں سینتا وائس پرنسپل تھیں۔ اپنے اس سفر کے دوران سینتا گاؤں کی عورتوں کی حالت سے بہت متاثر ہوئیں اور انہوں نے تبھی طے کر لیا تھا کہ وہ ان عورتوں کے حالات بہتر کرنے کے لیے کچھ کریں گی
یہ گڑیاں پنجاب کے شہر اوکاڑہ کے قریب ایک گاؤں ٹھٹہ غلام کا دھیروکا کی عورتیں بناتی ہیں جو دنیا بھر کے عالمی میلوں اور عجائب گھروں میں لوگوں کو پاکستانی ثقافت سے روشناس کراتی ہیں جن میں ہینوور ایکسپو 2000، دبئی کا عالمی میلہ، نیورمبرگ کا عالمی میلہ ، آئیس لینڈ کا گڑیوں کا عجائب گھر اور یونان کا ’بیناکی‘ عجائب گھر شامل ہیں۔
ان عورتوں کو خواب و خیال میں بھی اندازہ نہیں تھا کہ ان کی محنت اور ہنرمندی انہیں کامیابی کی ان منزلوں تک پہنچا دے گی۔
لیکن اس سے بھی بڑھ کر ان کی اور سینتا سلر کی کامیابی کا ثبوت وہ شہرت ہے جو جنوبی امریکہ کے ملک کولمبیا سے لیکر افریقہ میں کیمرون تک پہنچ چکی ہے اور جہاں کی عورتوں نےسینتا سے درخواست کی کہ وہ ان کے گاؤں میں بھی دستکاری کاایک ایسا ہی پراجیکٹ شروع کریں۔ چنا نچہ اپنی مدد آپ کے اصول پہ مبنی پاکستانی عورتوں کی کامیابی کی یہ کہانی اب کولمبیا اور کیمرون میں بھی دہرائی جا رہی ہے۔
یوں تو ہاتھ سے گڑیاں بنانے کی روایت پاکستان اور برصغیر میں بہت پرانی ہے لیکن سینتا سلرکی شاگردی میں ٹھٹہ غلام کا کی عورتوں نے اس ہنر کو اپنے ہاتھ کی صفائی اورنفاست سے فن کا درجہ دے دیا ہے۔ لیکن بقول سینتا سلر ان گڑیوں کی اصل عظمت یہ ہے کہ یہ گڑیاں اپنے بنانے والوں کی خود انحصاری اور خود اعتمادی کی علامت بن گئی ہیں۔
کشمیری، پنجابی، سندھی، بلوچی اور قلاشی لباس اور زیورات میں سجی سجائی یہ گڑیاں پاکستان میں تین چار ہزار روپے اور مغربی ممالک میں ایک سو ڈالر تک بکتی ہیں اور ٹھٹھہ غلام کا کی عورتوں کے لیے آمدنی کا ذریعہ ہیں۔ سینتا سلر کا کہنا ہے : ’اگرچہ اس پراجیکٹ کا بنیادی مقصد عورتوں کو خود کفیل بنانا تھا لیکن شروع ہی سےاجتماعی ترقی بھی منصوبے کا اہم پہلو تھا اور ہم نےاپنے طریقہ کار میں پورے گاؤں کا معیار زندگی بلند کرنے کی کوشش کی۔ عورتوں کے لیے روزگار مہیا کرنے، انکے رہن سہن اورگھریلو ماحول کو بہتر کرنے کے ساتھ ساتھ ان کی تعلیم و فنی تربیت کو بہتر کرنا بھی اس پراجیکٹ کے بنیادی فلسفے کا حصہ ہے‘۔
یوں تو ہاتھ سے گڑیاں بنانے کی روایت پاکستان اور بر صغیر میں بہت پرانی ہے لیکن سینتا سلرکی شاگردی میں ٹھٹہ غلام کا کی عورتوں نے اس ہنر کو اپنے ہاتھ کی صفائی اور نفاست سے فن کا درجہ دے دیا ہے
سینتا کہتی ہیں کہ اگر لوگوں کو گاؤں میں ہی روزگار مہیا ہو اور ان کا معیار زندگی بہتر ہو جائے تو گاؤں چھوڑ کر شہروں کو نقل مکانی کا رجحان بھی کم ہوگا۔
لاہور سے 170 کلو میٹر دور اوکاڑہ کے قریب اس چھوٹے سے گاؤں میں سینتا سلر پہلی بار 1990 میں اپنے ایک شاگرد امجد علی کی دعوت پر گئی تھیں۔ امجد کا تعلق ٹھٹہ غلام کا سے ہے اور وہ اُس وقت برلن کے اس کالج میں گرافک ڈیزائن کی تعلیم حاصل کر رہے تھے جہاں سینتا وائس پرنسپل تھیں۔ اپنے اس سفر کے دوران سینتا گاؤں کی عورتوں کی حالت سے بہت متاثر ہوئیں اور انہوں نے تبھی طے کر لیا تھا کہ وہ ان عورتوں کے حالات بہتر کرنے کے لیے کچھ کریں گی۔
چنا نچہ1993 میں کالج سے ریٹائرہونے پر بغیر کسی بیرونی مالی امداد کے وہ کپڑے کاٹنے کی ایک قینچی اور سوئی دھاگے کی چھوٹی سی پوٹلی لیے ٹھٹہ غلام کا پہنچ گئیں۔ گاؤں کےلو گوں نے انہیں ایک چھوٹا سا کچا کوٹھا رہنے کے لیے دیااور انہوں نے آہستہ آہستہ گاؤں کی عورتوں کو سلائی کڑھائی اور گڑیاں بنانے کی جانب راغب کیا ۔ ابتداء میں نہ تو عورتوں کو اس کام کی افادیت کا اندازہ تھا اور نہ ہی گھر کے مرد ایک مغربی عورت کی صحبت کو پسندیدگی کی نگاہ سے دیکھتے تھے۔
لیکن اصل مرحلہ تھا ان کے لیے موزوں مارکیٹ تلاش کرنا جہاں لوگ اتنی محنت سے بنی گڑیوں کی صحیح قیمت دینے کے لیے تیار ہوں۔ چنانچہ یہ کام سینتا نے اپنے ذمہ لیا اور غیر ملکی سفارت خانوں کے مینا بازاروں اور بڑے بڑے ہوٹلوں کےمقامی دستکاری شو کیسوں میں آہستہ آہستہ ان گڑیوں کی بکری شروع ہوئی۔ سینتا کا کہنا ہے کہ سفارتکاروں کے ذریعے پاکستان کے علاقائی لباس میں ملبوس یہ گڑیاں دنیا کے چالیس ممالک کو جا چکی ہیں اور ٹھٹہ کی 120 عورتوں کے لیے روزگار مہیا کر رہی ہیں۔
وہ کام جو انجمن فلاح عامہ کہ نام سے 14 برس پہلے ایک کچے کوٹھے میں شروع ہوا تھا اس کے لیے اب سادہ لیکن آرام دہ آرٹ سینٹر تعمیر ہو چکا ہے۔ جوں جوں عورتوں کے روزگار کا سلسہ بہتر ہوا، انکی خود اعتمادی بڑھی، ان کے رویےمیں تبدیلی آئی اور اس کا اثر نہ صرف انکے اپنے لباس اور رہن سہن میں نظر آنے لگا بلکہ گاؤں کے ماحول میں بھی ایک نمایاں تبدیلی نظر آنے لگی ہے۔
عورتیں اپنے بچوں اور خاص طور پر لڑکیوں کی تعلیم و تربیت میں دلچسپی لینے لگیں، آرٹ سینٹر نے گاؤں کے پرائمری سکول کو فرنیچر مہیا کیا، گاؤں میں ایک ہیلتھ سینٹر قائم ہو چکا ہے جو سینتا کی وساطت سےٹھٹہ آنے والی ایک جرمن ڈاکٹرنے شروع کیا۔
1996 میں عورتوں کے آرٹ سینٹر میں ہی مردوں کے لیے بھی ٹین سے کھلونے بنانے کا پراجیکٹ شروع ہوا جہان گاؤں کے مرد پاکستانی رکشوں، بسوں اور لاریوں کے رنگ برنگے ماڈل بناتے ہیں۔
گاؤں کی خوشحالی اور عورتوں کی ہنرمندی کی ایک اور مثال مٹی کے بنے گھر ہیں جن کی دیواروں اور برآمدوں میں اب اسلامی طرز تعمیر کی جھلک نظر آنے لگی ہے۔گھروں کی دیواروں میں محرابیں اور اناج رکھنے کے ( بھڑولوں ) پرگنبد اور چھوٹےچھوٹے مینار بن رہے ہیں اور دیواریں رنگ برنگے نقش و نگار سے سجی ہوئی ہیں۔گاؤں میں ہر سال فن تعمیر کا مقابلہ ہوتا ہے جس میں ججوں کا پینل بہترین گھر کا انتخاب کرتا ہے ۔
1996 میں عورتوں کے آرٹ سینٹر میں ہی مردوں کے لیے بھی ٹین سے کھلونے بنانے کا پراجیکٹ شروع ہوا جہان گاؤں کے مرد پاکستانی رکشوں، بسوں اور لاریوں کے رنگ برنگے ماڈل بناتے ہیں
سینتا نےٹھٹہ کے لوگوں کو ایک اور خوبصورت روایت سے متعارف کرایا ہے جو پاکستان کے ہر گاؤں میں دوہرائی جانی چاہئے۔ اس میں ہر نئے شادی شدہ جوڑے کوایک پھل کا درخت اور ہر بچے کی پیدائش پر پھولوں کاایک پودہ تحفے میں دیا جاتا ہے جس کے نتیجے میں گاؤں کا ہر گھر پھلدار درختوں اور پھولوں کی خوشبو سے مہک گیا ہے۔ دیکھنے والے کہتے ہیں کہ وہ وقت دور نہیں جب ٹھٹہ غلام کا دھیرو کا ’ٹھٹہ بوگن ولا‘ کہلائے گا۔غرض یہ کہ ان تبدیلیوں نے گاؤں کے لوگوں کی انفرادی اور اجتماعی زندگی کا نقشہ ہی بدل دیا ہے۔
بڑے مالی اداروں یا سرکاری مدد کے بغیر پنجاب کے ایک گاؤں میں اس خاموش انقلاب کی شہرت اب عالمی سطح پہ ماہرین کی دلچسپی کا باعث ہے اور غیر ملکی مہمانوں میں ہر سال اضافہ ہو رہا ہے۔ان میں صحافی، دانشور، سائنسدان، سوشل ورکر اور سوشیالوجی کے طالبعلم سبھی شامل ہیں۔
حال ہی میں سینتا سلر کےکام کے بارے میں سن کرایک اور جرمن رضاکار مانیکاکپلرگاؤں کے لیے بجلی کی بھٹی کا تحفہ لیکر آئیں اور گاؤں کی عورتوں کو چینی اور مٹی کے برتن بنانے سکھاگئیں۔
ان مہمانوں کی رہائش کے لیے گاؤں میں کچھ گھرانوں نے گھر کا ایک کمرہ مہمان خانے کے طور پر مخصوص کر دیا ہے جہاں آنےوالوں کو مناسب داموں پہ گھریلو ماحول میں صاف ستھرا بستر اور تازہ کھانا مہیا کیا جاتا ہے۔ محنت کا یہ صدقۂ جاریہ جو اس غیر معمولی جرمن خاتون نے شروع کیا اب اس گاؤں کی روایات میں شامل ہو چکا ہے۔
(via BBC)
Frequently Asked Questions
From information we got from internet, we would also like to start an income generating measure: what must we do?
Motivation to do something, inspiration and vision and the readiness to find a new way and a new product are necessary to start.
How can we manufacture dolls in traditional clothes economically?
It is not the cheap manufacturing that should be the main consideration rather affectionate conversion of traditional dresses into dolls.
How do you judge the use of technology in the manufacture of handicraft?
The use of technology should always be seen in connection with the quantity; use of machine means larger and larger quantity, reduction in price and reduction in the individual quality of these products. Investments need finance. Even if you get the machines as donation, please don’t forget the cost for its operation and maintenance.
We are a group of about 60 women, who would like to earn money, how many dolls must we manufacture in order to generate regular income?
The idea of the project is based on completely different assumptions, namely the idea of culturally friendly manufacturing. It always has more to do with earning some additional income along with income from agriculture; therefore the intention here is not to do this as a full time day job (8 hours per day).
How much do we earn from one doll?
A doll is manufactured as a rule by a trained woman. She is independent in her work and not employed and it is up to her to distribute her work according to her possibilities. The sales price also includes cost of material and transport. The income of the doll maker is about 30% of the sales price.
How can we manufacture dolls in a rational, effective and optimal manner?
It is possible that there is a misunderstanding. Unique handicraft products and dolls should be manufactured with affection and individually. Each piece is different than the other.
How can we get cheap materials (polyester cloth, industrial thread)? Is this a good starting position for handicraft manufacture?
The traditional handicraft is based on local, traditional materials; therefore modern materials are not suitable! Appropriate products must be developed from suitable materials like washable animal figures, balls etc.
Your manufacturing process does not appear to be very economical, why don’t you let clothes, shoes and accessories to be manufactured cheaply in a factory?
Since each piece is individually manufactured, the trained women should also get a fair income from their effort.
We want to start a factory for production of dolls, can you help us?
In principle yes, if it is clear to you, that these products have nothing to do with the idea of the DOLLS OF THE WORLD project.
Are the members of such an NGO project organized in unions?
The project is directed towards people in the rural areas, who were organized in traditional ways, but are today members of their own NGO, it is rather members of the city culture, who are organized in unions.
How big is the foreign influence on the local NGOs?
The idea of the project relates to sensitizing and schooling of the village women as well as guidance towards independent entrepreneurship, which can only be successful, when the idea of the project is clearly understood by the members.
Can you please send us statistical and other information for research and study project?
Interested persons can of course carry out field studies and work out the necessary information; many students also carry out different studies, and counseling can be provided if needed.
How many villages / NGOs can be integrated into manufacture of dolls?
The decisive question is not how many villages can participate in the project, but the marketing and the available capabilities, which have their limitations in the villages.
Which project information’s are available to interested persons?
A study by Dr. Senta Siller is available with the heritage museum Lok Virsa in Islamabad, Pakistan; if you type the project name and the name of volunteers on web you can get a lot of information.
How much money can I earn as a volunteer in the self health project?
All volunteers earn the same: nothing. They pay for their journey and all other costs themselves.
How can I participate in the self-help projects?
Young, middle aged and old persons can participates in the projects, if they are ready to collect experiences in different cultures; there are also introductions by German speaking coaches, who discuss the different possibilities of engagement.
Who can finance my participation?
This depends on the individual capacity of the interested persons.
How can a new group manufacture traditional dolls in best of quality?
Step by step.
Who can take over the function of the leader?
All persons, who are well versed in design, ethnology and materials processing.
What are the responsibilities of the group leadership?
- Source research for local dresses (Museums, Bazaars, etc.)
- Introduction of the project
- Organizing the group of interested persons – registrations as NGO
- Look for suitable working space
- Arrange small tools and materials
- Development of product in the group
- Making the first sample of doll clothing
- Manufacturing or buying doll jeweler , shoes and hairs
- Training of the artisans with an eye for detail
- Quality control
- Costume
- Wage accounts
- Accounting and book keeping
Which target groups can be approached at first in the country of manufacture?
- Diplomats
- Tourists
- Representative of international firms
- Teachers, parents and students of international educational institutes
- Anybody who wants to buy presents and souvenirs
How can the products be marketed economically?
- At festivals and in bazaars
- In museums – Shops
- In churches
- In hotels
- At airports
Who can market the product responsibly and cost effectively?
- The management of the group
- Members of the group and their families
- Volunteers
- Retailers with profit percentage
What possibilities of advertising are available?
- Handouts
- Press
- Radio
- Television
- Film on DVD
- Internet
Tags: Networking, Self Help, Thatta Kedona, FAQs
Honorable Mention
AC-CRITI-PROJECT.COM
action five e.V Bonn
Built Heritage
Cameroon Centre for Appropriate Technology
DGFK
Die Induskultur (German)
Dolls from Pakistan
Dolls of the World - Sonopses of a Book
Dorrit Yacoby Museum
Dorrit-Yacoby-Museum Slide Show
Explore Pakistan
Greenland Project
International Dolls Museum , Flateyri
Joachim PoLzer's [docfilmunit]
Lahore Museum
Landgut Borsig
Light Within
Mobashir's Blog
Plot of a Documentary
Tangled Thread
Tanto Mejor Por La Paz, Saboya
Thatta Kedona at ATP
Thatta Kedona at Asian Smiles
Thatta Kedona at Crystal Clear
Thatta Kedona at Desicritics
Thatta Kedona at Echalicious
Thatta Kedona at Education by Sistrunk
Thatta Kedona at Maria's Blog
Thatta Kedona at Metro Blog
Thatta Kedona at Teeth Maestro
Thatta Kedona at The Organic Brew
Thatta Kedona's photo stream
The Class
The 21st Century
Toy Village of Pakistan
Tum jo chaho to sunno
UAE Project
Visit Pakistan Year - 2007
World of Dolls
NY Mafia
action five e.V Bonn
Built Heritage
Cameroon Centre for Appropriate Technology
DGFK
Die Induskultur (German)
Dolls from Pakistan
Dolls of the World - Sonopses of a Book
Dorrit Yacoby Museum
Dorrit-Yacoby-Museum Slide Show
Explore Pakistan
Greenland Project
International Dolls Museum , Flateyri
Joachim PoLzer's [docfilmunit]
Lahore Museum
Landgut Borsig
Light Within
Mobashir's Blog
Plot of a Documentary
Tangled Thread
Tanto Mejor Por La Paz, Saboya
Thatta Kedona at ATP
Thatta Kedona at Asian Smiles
Thatta Kedona at Crystal Clear
Thatta Kedona at Desicritics
Thatta Kedona at Echalicious
Thatta Kedona at Education by Sistrunk
Thatta Kedona at Maria's Blog
Thatta Kedona at Metro Blog
Thatta Kedona at Teeth Maestro
Thatta Kedona at The Organic Brew
Thatta Kedona's photo stream
The Class
The 21st Century
Toy Village of Pakistan
Tum jo chaho to sunno
UAE Project
Visit Pakistan Year - 2007
World of Dolls
NY Mafia
Rivers and Link Canals (Life Lines) of Punjab
The Punjab Province of Pakistan is blessed with five major rivers and their numerous local tributaries. All of these five rivers originate from the snow capped peaks of the Himalayan Mountains. After traveling hundreds of miles through the high mountain valleys, these rivers ultimately enter into the plains and plateaus of Punjab via the Frontier Province of Pakistan, the State of Kashmir, and India.
In fact Punjab owes its very name to these rivers as in Urdu/Persian languages the word simply means ‘five waters or five rivers’. Perhaps no other area in the world could claim that many major rivers flowing through it in that close proximity of each other. In that sense Punjab is unique. But what makes it further unique is its river link canal system first devised by the British in early twentieth century and then expanded by the Government of Pakistan under its Indus River Basin Water Management System. The complex Punjab Rivers and Link Canals System could very well be classified as one of the twentieth century engineering wonders.
In fact Punjab owes its very name to these rivers as in Urdu/Persian languages the word simply means ‘five waters or five rivers’. Perhaps no other area in the world could claim that many major rivers flowing through it in that close proximity of each other. In that sense Punjab is unique. But what makes it further unique is its river link canal system first devised by the British in early twentieth century and then expanded by the Government of Pakistan under its Indus River Basin Water Management System. The complex Punjab Rivers and Link Canals System could very well be classified as one of the twentieth century engineering wonders.
Collection Agency
Many people and businesses conveniently forget to pay back their dues on given date and time. This is a common tendency among businesses anywhere in the world. And that is what makes debt collection a tough job. There is whole chain of events that starts after the due day, you call, may be new payment date is fixed, wait again and may be a same circle starts once again causing so many delays in all related things.
Thanks to American Profit Recovery – a Collection Agency- that they offer proven debt collection solution that gives you the benefit of third-party collections for a flat, low fee, no matter what industry you are in. Explore their neatly laid out site and learn about about their Tier I Debt Collection solution, better still , contact American Profit Recovery for more information on how APR can help improve your debt collection success. Use their Collections 101 page to educate yourself about the collection industry and their Tools to reduce bad debt page to learn how your company can take steps to eliminating bad debt.
There is no need to hire a full time in house staff for collection. Approach American Profit Recovery and let them do what they are best at for you.
Thanks to American Profit Recovery – a Collection Agency- that they offer proven debt collection solution that gives you the benefit of third-party collections for a flat, low fee, no matter what industry you are in. Explore their neatly laid out site and learn about about their Tier I Debt Collection solution, better still , contact American Profit Recovery for more information on how APR can help improve your debt collection success. Use their Collections 101 page to educate yourself about the collection industry and their Tools to reduce bad debt page to learn how your company can take steps to eliminating bad debt.
There is no need to hire a full time in house staff for collection. Approach American Profit Recovery and let them do what they are best at for you.
Rural Development
History
The most important factors for the current development were laid in the 19th century. The rejection of thinking and acting as a community meant for the technology an enormous increase in the industrial production because the division of work led to higher productivity and new professions and it appeared on the face of it to increase the standard of living in western cultures (for example the Taylorism as introduced in Ford automobile factories etc.)
Analysis of the society by political and economic thinkers led to development theories, which could not foresee the effects of these policies as evidenced today. The cardinal error by these theorists was the euro-centristic model, i.e. nobody took the happenings in other cultures into consideration.
In Smith's economic system, the free market functioned globally, as long as global meant regionally and maximum on a national level.
In Marx's political system the democracy functions internationally, as long as the power base is centrally located. This concept is also found in antique Greek city-state models on a local basis.
In both cases, there appears to be consensus on one point, i.e. that "multiple behavioral models (Artenvielfalt)" are not acceptable in these theories. But this is probably precisely the decisive error.
With this sketch, we would now like to analyze the present situation.
Present situation
It is the market factors in a democratically functioning society, which determines the general welfare of the people.
Since the market -in the traditional sense- neither takes into consideration the environment nor the traditional cultures, which are present in rural areas and production of goods leads to certain uniformity because of cost-reduction methods. Every effort must be undertaken, so that the (B.E.P.) does not fall short of targets under any circumstances. The multi-national concerns attempt by adding more products to their production programs to offer a variety of models: since all parties participating in the market work in similar way, but the demand in the market is relatively fixed and not able to be increased arbitrarily, it is clear where the wastage of resources is taking place.
The winner is the one, who has the largest potential of human resources as long as these can be controlled politically.
The intentions and the wishes of so-called democratic countries are understandable, if they exert all possible pressure on others to accept their form of governance.
If this effort does not succeed, their system -let us call it "western system"- would collapse together with all parties involved in it.
There are incredible factors, which remain unconsidered by the members of the City-Culture, they being the innovators and carriers of the enormous misunderstandings and the cardinal errors:
a) There are very different cultures
b) These cultures have developed over a long period of time in inter-action with the climate and the environment.
c) Each culture has its own set of rights and should be the subject of research to shed light on this enormous richness.
Of course much of the matter has been lost due to the way of thinking and the actions undertaken up till now, but exactly this is the task before us; to track down these materials.
Misuse of environment and resources are hardly a subject of discussion in economic appraisals. Similarly, the richness of traditional cultures, which still exist at least in part in the rural areas, which are typically described as "under-developed" is not mentioned in these appraisals. There is no code or value allocated to them. Only when the value has been destroyed, the damage becomes visible. The extent of destroyed traditional cultures is quite evident in the number of museums, i.e. as soon as the traditional cultures began to be considered as money making measures for the institutions, they received recognition as a valid market factor, but in effect became still more unstable.
As the international flow of money is not directed towards local industry and national states, there is a trend towards uniformity through optimization and standardization. This uniformity can be concealed through various designs and requires increased consumption of goods. In order to increase the consumption, the consumers (all consumers of the world unite!!) require financial means, which are actually not available to the majority of population.
Outlook
A special sort of market is created at the place where traditional cultures are promoted. Members of the community have a chance to participate, if they consider it a possibility to maintain their basic requirements, i.e. a form of satisfaction of most basic material needs must remain intact.
Author Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch, Voluntary Director, TTTC TGD can be approached here: pdp33@hotmail.com
Branding Agency
Branding is a fine art, a science and economics. It is all about creating a unique identity and maintaining it. In the age of increasing choices available to consumers, standing out in the corporate world is not an easy job. One of the ways of meeting the success is effective use of powerful corporate branding strategies to reach to the hearts and minds of potential customers. Once people have accepted a brand, management of the brand to stay in the minds of people is an never ending process. Only then comes the success.
Effective Branding can cut the clutter through clear and consistent communication. This communication includes all; logos, slogans, web designs and contents, service standards, products, and advertising. Growing importance of branding has given birth to large number of brand development agencies that offer branding solutions. Brand Identity Guru is one of the best Branding Agency - one-stop branding and marketing company capable of delivering fully integrated solutions. Check their site that highlights what all they can do for any concern.
BrandIdentityGuru says "Pump up your brand." That is exactly what they seem to be doing. Explore their site, use their analytical tools and ask them to pump up your brand and you are in for a success.
Effective Branding can cut the clutter through clear and consistent communication. This communication includes all; logos, slogans, web designs and contents, service standards, products, and advertising. Growing importance of branding has given birth to large number of brand development agencies that offer branding solutions. Brand Identity Guru is one of the best Branding Agency - one-stop branding and marketing company capable of delivering fully integrated solutions. Check their site that highlights what all they can do for any concern.
BrandIdentityGuru says "Pump up your brand." That is exactly what they seem to be doing. Explore their site, use their analytical tools and ask them to pump up your brand and you are in for a success.
Dolls Have Always Been There
Proof of this is found in the escavations in South America, the Subcontinent, Japan, Italy, Greece, and other sites all over the world. Made out of sa number pof materials like wood, wax, clay, cloth etc., they were not only a toy but used also as religious symbols and cult items for example as miniaturized images of persons.
Even today they are used by many people as fetish. Today, the experts are not sure what was the first purpose of the dolls; as a toy, out of which the cult figure developed or the cult figure which became a toy.
Over and above their value as toys with educational value, dolls are realistic documentation of past and present times and therefore important source of our knowledge about the games, life, living and work conditions and economy. They are important cultural carriers.
Dr Senta Siller established different projects in Pakistan, Cameroun, Columbia, etc., in which small but long-term progress was made towards development of rural areas, help towards self-sustained development, discouragement of urbanization by way of income generating projects in the rural areas through production of certain types of handicraft items. Dolls are manufactured here lovingly and clothed in traditional dresses and accessories. Fabric design and types of clothing are revived and take an important place in daily life.
Dolls from Pakistan
The women project established by Dr Siller in 1993 in the pakistani province of Punjab, which has in the meanwhile also added a men centre, has 120 women members and it is generating income. The women here work not on full-time basis but in a traditional way so that family and field work is not compromised and festivals of different types, common in villages, can be celebrated as usual. The village Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka has about 1200 residents. The villagers established the NGO Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Aama in 1991, which co-operates with the DGFK e.V. (German Society for Promotion of Culture). The Anjuman itself co-operates with six further projects in the country.
Dolls from Cameroun
Three co-operatives (Akwatinuighah, Akaankang, HandiCraft CAT) are functioning since 1998 in Bamenda, the capital of the North-West Provinz in Cameroun, which is located near the border to Nigeria. Also this NGO co-operates with the DGFK, Germany. Bamenda has about 60000 residents living on seven hills, who speak eight different languages. Apart from the men of CAT, over 100 women manufacture a variety of handicrafts.
Dolls from Columbia
The co-operative Tantomejor was established in 1999 in Saboya and it works in the meanwhile with three other initiatives. Saboya has about 6000 residents near Chiquinquira, the capital of Departemento Boyaca, north of Bogota. Also this NGO enjoys cooperation of the DGFK. Over 100 women are engaged in the manufacture of handicraft items.
Even today they are used by many people as fetish. Today, the experts are not sure what was the first purpose of the dolls; as a toy, out of which the cult figure developed or the cult figure which became a toy.
Over and above their value as toys with educational value, dolls are realistic documentation of past and present times and therefore important source of our knowledge about the games, life, living and work conditions and economy. They are important cultural carriers.
Dr Senta Siller established different projects in Pakistan, Cameroun, Columbia, etc., in which small but long-term progress was made towards development of rural areas, help towards self-sustained development, discouragement of urbanization by way of income generating projects in the rural areas through production of certain types of handicraft items. Dolls are manufactured here lovingly and clothed in traditional dresses and accessories. Fabric design and types of clothing are revived and take an important place in daily life.
Dolls from Pakistan
The women project established by Dr Siller in 1993 in the pakistani province of Punjab, which has in the meanwhile also added a men centre, has 120 women members and it is generating income. The women here work not on full-time basis but in a traditional way so that family and field work is not compromised and festivals of different types, common in villages, can be celebrated as usual. The village Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka has about 1200 residents. The villagers established the NGO Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Aama in 1991, which co-operates with the DGFK e.V. (German Society for Promotion of Culture). The Anjuman itself co-operates with six further projects in the country.
Dolls from Cameroun
Three co-operatives (Akwatinuighah, Akaankang, HandiCraft CAT) are functioning since 1998 in Bamenda, the capital of the North-West Provinz in Cameroun, which is located near the border to Nigeria. Also this NGO co-operates with the DGFK, Germany. Bamenda has about 60000 residents living on seven hills, who speak eight different languages. Apart from the men of CAT, over 100 women manufacture a variety of handicrafts.
Dolls from Columbia
The co-operative Tantomejor was established in 1999 in Saboya and it works in the meanwhile with three other initiatives. Saboya has about 6000 residents near Chiquinquira, the capital of Departemento Boyaca, north of Bogota. Also this NGO enjoys cooperation of the DGFK. Over 100 women are engaged in the manufacture of handicraft items.
In other languages:
Dukker Projekt
Puppen der Welt
Muñecas del Mundo
Poupées du monde
Куклы Hародов Mира
