Nurpu.

loom sounds were an integral part of 1010 Colony, a village in Erode district, two decades ago. But, IT professional-turned-entrepreneur C Sivagurunathan is gradually rousing the looms from their sleep through his venture, Nurpu.

According to Sivaguru, it is a fabric that breathes and is ideal for our weather. By wearing the fabric, we not only support an eco-friendly lifestyle, but several families of weavers. For details, visit https://www.face book .com/Nurpuhandlooms

Sivaguru markets his products through social media and in places such as Chennai to create demand. Once that’s set, his profit will be divided amongst the weavers and himself.“I visited Arachalur, Kangeyam, Chennimalai, Kallipatti...

“I visited the Janapada Seva Trust’s weaving centre and school for weavers in Melkote in Karnataka,” says Sivaguru. “It was an eye-opener.” He saw how the Trust worked with 10 women weavers. “Their curriculum consists of the kind of thread, the tools to be used...”

Sivaguru wants to follow their system of rewarding weavers. “I hope to establish a school for weavers as well,” he says. Right now, though, he is busy taking Nurpu’s products to cityfolk. “We weave khadi saris, dupattas, running fabric, dhotis and towels,” he says. Extracting an earthy-brown dupatta with a tie-and-dye pattern at the border, he explains how its colour came from the kadukkai seed. “For pink, we use pomegranate seeds and onions. We extract dyes from flowers and plants for various shades,” he explains.

Sivaguru knows he will have a tough time convincing each of the families in 1010 Colony to get back to weaving. “But, if we give them an idea of what they can earn in Nurpu’s system, I’m sure we can revive what was lost.”