When handloom jobs were akin to today's coveted IT jobs

It was afternoon. Janaki and her friends were busy at work at Kanhirode Weavers Cooperative Society that won the state government's best handloom award. "Does anybody know about the past?" Asked Janaki while still at work. The team that was set up in 1952 now has 85% women and it is almost like a women-only unit.

"There are big differences between the weaving units of then and now. When we say we were working in a company then it meant a handloom unit. It was equivalent to a job in an IT company today," she said.

The korathuni (corduroy) made in Kannur used to be exported world over. Korathuni was the ultimate fashion statement then, so much so that it was exported even to the residence of American president. Then, people started shunning handloom cloth. There was demand, but the workers were never offered decent pay, forcing them to quit weaving.

"Now, those entering the field are women. After a few years, only women will remain in the field. Men are always on the lookout for better paying jobs. However, the situation is not like when we had started working; we get much more facilities these days," she said.

"Other than pay, we get pension. Once we reach here in the morning, we spend time like a family. We spend more time here than our home and everybody shows that love and warmth. Now, there is no need to work 10-12 hours. Workload has reduced considerably," she said.

"The big leaders from Kannur were once handloom workers. Now political leaders don't come here because only women are here. Unlike the past when we made only dhotis and kailis (sarongs), we are bringing out new products every now and then," the workers said.

There was a time when the handloom units in Kannur used to be the nerve centre of political debates and organisational secrets. Now the talks are more about professionalism. Kannur's handloom products are finding their place in decor shops and boutiques.

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