Summary: <p>We need to take pride in what we wear. Until we are proud of our heritage, there wont be much change visible. As consumers, all of us have the power to bring about change in crafts and handloom sector" shares Yuvrani Meenal Kumari Singhdeo of Dhenkanal as we spoke to her on Royalty, Textiles, Covid and Craft Diaries with her.<br> <br> A lot of her time is dedicated to the upliftment and welfare of the artisans. Realising the negative effects of the pandemic on the crafts persons and with support from the online community, she has been able to extend a helping hand to over 700 families.<br> <br> "One of the tales that touched my heart was the story of ICU - name given to a child who was born in intensive care unit. This grandchild of wood-carvers was struggling to walk. I felt, it was Downs syndrome but tests had to be done. He wasnt taken to doctor for check-up because it would cost a lot of money. So we took him to a small hospital and got things going for him", adds Meenal on various interactions that she had during her pandemic visits to various villages around Dhenkanal.<br> <br> Do give a listen to the dialogue with Meenalji as she talks about her royal bridal trousseau, her tryst with textiles and her own brand Minaketan and the way forward for intervention in crafts and handloom sector.</p> <p>For more information about products, Please visit - <a href="https://ciceroni.in/shop" target="_blank">https://ciceroni.in/shop</a></p>
