Announcement of Bharatiya Uthpad Nirman Kala (BUNK)

Dear Artisans, Art Enthusiasts, and Community Members

Dear Artisans, Art Enthusiasts, and Community Members,

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Bharatiya Uthpad Nirman Kala (BUNK) initiative, a pioneering program dedicated to recognizing, promoting, and preserving the exquisite craftsmanship of India. This initiative focuses exclusively on the unique artifacts and handicrafts created in various districts across our vibrant nation, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and artistry that define our local communities.

Why BUNK?

India is home to an incredible diversity of crafts, each reflecting the history, culture, and traditions of its region. Unfortunately, many of these traditional crafts face the risk of fading into obscurity due to changing consumer preferences and the lack of recognition for the artisans who create them. BUNK aims to reverse this trend by providing a platform that honors these skilled artisans, promotes their work, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Objectives of BUNK

Recognition of Artisans: We seek to honor the incredible talents of artisans across India, giving them the visibility they deserve. Through BUNK, we will create profiles for each recognized artisan, showcasing their unique skills, techniques, and contributions to their communities.

Promotion of Traditional Crafts: BUNK will serve as a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary markets. By organizing exhibitions and workshops, we aim to promote the use of traditional crafts in modern settings, encouraging consumers to appreciate and support local artisans.

Sustainability and Innovation: We are committed to promoting sustainable practices in the production of handicrafts. BUNK will encourage artisans to adopt eco-friendly methods and materials, ensuring that their crafts remain viable for future generations.

Community Engagement: BUNK will actively involve local communities in the initiative, fostering a sense of pride in their cultural heritage. We believe that when communities come together to celebrate their crafts, they strengthen their identity and support their artisans.

Key Features of BUNK

1. Recognition of Artisans

Selection Criteria: Artisans will be selected based on their skill level, creativity, and the uniqueness of their crafts. A panel of experts will evaluate submissions to ensure a fair and transparent process.

Artisan Profiles: Each recognized artisan will have a dedicated profile on our website, highlighting their background, techniques, and contributions to their craft.

2. District-Specific Focus

Research and Documentation: We will conduct thorough research to document the unique crafts of various Indian districts, emphasizing their history, techniques, and materials.

Cultural Significance: BUNK will highlight the cultural importance of these crafts, showcasing how they reflect the identity and traditions of their respective communities.

3. Exhibitions and Workshops

Exhibitions: We will organize exhibitions to showcase the work of artisans, providing them with a platform to sell their products and engage with the public. These events will feature live demonstrations, allowing attendees to witness the craftsmanship firsthand.

Workshops: BUNK will conduct workshops led by skilled artisans, teaching traditional techniques to interested participants. These workshops will promote skill development and appreciation for the art of crafting.

4. Awards and Scholarships

Awards Program: An annual awards program will recognize outstanding craftsmanship in various categories, such as best traditional craft, innovation in design, and community impact.

Scholarships: We will provide scholarships for young artisans or students pursuing studies in traditional crafts, ensuring the continuity of these valuable skills.

5. BUNK Classes in Schools

In our commitment to nurturing the next generation of artisans and fostering an appreciation for traditional crafts, we are excited to announce the introduction of BUNK Classes. These classes will be held once a week for one hour in schools, providing students with hands-on experience in various crafts. The curriculum will be designed to introduce students to the techniques and cultural significance of different handicrafts, encouraging creativity and skill development from a young age.

Call for Volunteers

To make the BUNK initiative a success, we are seeking enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about art and culture. Volunteers will play a crucial role in facilitating the BUNK Classes in schools, assisting with workshops, organizing exhibitions, and supporting various activities within the initiative. If you are interested in volunteering, click here to register as volunteer.

How to Participate

Artisans interested in being recognized through BUNK are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. Detailed guidelines on the submission process, along with information on upcoming exhibitions, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, will be available on our website. Click here to register as participant.

Call to Action

We invite everyone—artisans, art enthusiasts, local communities, and organizations—to join us in this exciting initiative. Your support is crucial in helping us promote and preserve the rich heritage of Indian handicrafts. Together, we can create a sustainable ecosystem that honors traditional craftsmanship while fostering innovation and appreciation.

Conclusion

The Bharatiya Uthpad Nirman Kala (BUNK) initiative represents a significant step towards recognizing and preserving India's rich heritage of handicrafts. By engaging artisans, communities, and stakeholders, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that honors traditional craftsmanship while fostering innovation and appreciation.

We look forward to your participation and support in making BUNK a resounding success. For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Together, let us celebrate the artistry of India!

Preserving a 440-Year-Old Spiritual & Architectural Treasure

 Across India, our nation's rich cultural heritage is reflected in the countless ancient temples and architectural marvels that have stood the test of time. However, many of these priceless pieces of our history are now in urgent need of restoration and care.

The Trayo Foundation is proud to announce our latest campaign focused on the restoration of the centuries-old Sri Venugopala & Anjaneya Swami temple in the village of Chavali, Andhra Pradesh has stood as a sacred spiritual landmark and an architectural masterpiece. Built in 1581 by the village leader Agu Sri, 6,000 Niyogi Brahmins, and Sri Chavali Krishnaraju Garu, this holy site has been revered for generations.

The temple was originally constructed with the devoted belief that by performing regular worship to the deities Venugopala (an avatar of Lord Krishna) and Lord Anjaneya, the local community would be blessed with prosperity, fertility, longevity and the fulfillment of their heartfelt wishes. For 440 years, it has served as a spiritual anchor for Chavali, following the ancient traditions laid out in the Vaisakhana Agama scripture.

However, the ravages of time have taken their toll on this historic temple. The intricate stone carvings, sculptures, paintings and very foundations are now in dire need of restoration and repairs to preserve this irreplaceable piece of Andhra Pradesh's cultural heritage.

That is why the Trayo Foundation has launched a campaign to fully renovate and restore the Sri Venugopala & Anjaneya Swami temple. This painstaking process will involve:

• Repairing weather damage and structural deterioration
• Reinforcing and stabilizing the temple's foundations
• Cleaning and repairing the ornate stone sculptures and artworks
• Conserving the painted murals and artwork adorning the walls
• Ensuring the temple remains accessible for worship and visitors

We cannot allow the years to continue eroding this 440-year-old architectural and spiritual treasure. By preserving sacred sites like this, we uphold the rich building traditions, art, culture and religious significance that makes Andhra Pradesh's heritage so unique.

You can be a part of this vital renovation effort by donating to the Trayo Foundation's Sri Venugopala & Anjaneya Swami Temple Restoration Campaign. Your generous contribution will allow the skills of architects, engineers, artists and craftsmen to be employed in restoring this ancient temple to its original splendor.

Please also follow our website and social media channels for updates as this long-overdue renovation process unfolds over the coming months. Together, we can ensure this long-standing place of spiritual strength and renowned archaeological beauty remains intact for future generations to appreciate and experience. 

Donate now & join us in preserving the living legacy of the Sri Venugopala & Anjaneya Swami temple!

Breaking the Cycle of Violence: A Call to Protect India's Daughters

Trigger Warning: This post discusses violence against women and girls.

Every 16 minutes in India, a woman or girl becomes a victim of rape or attempted rape, according to government data. This harrowing statistic is just the tip of the iceberg in a nation grappling with widespread gender-based violence that cuts across socio-economic strata.

From domestic abuse and dowry deaths to sexual harassment, human trafficking, and honor killings, the pervasive culture of violence against women and girls in India is a stain on our social fabric. What's worse, these crimes often go unreported and justice remains elusive for survivors.

At the Trayo Foundation, we believe that real and lasting development is impossible when half of society lives in constant fear and their fundamental rights are violated. The cycle of gender-based violence is both a cause and consequence of systemic gender inequalities that impede the progress of communities.

This toxic cycle begins at birth, with deep-rooted societal preferences for sons leading to female feticide and infanticide. Girls who survive face discrimination in access to nutrition, healthcare and education. Child marriages rob them of their childhoods, while dowry demands fuel domestic violence and exploitation.

The normalization of misogyny, from sexist jokes to objectification in media, perpetuates rape culture. A lack of legal awareness, victim-blaming mindsets, shoddy investigations and low conviction rates embolden perpetrators. And poverty, lack of economic opportunities and patriarchal power structures keep women trapped in abusive circumstances.

We cannot turn a blind eye to this brutal reality that impacts millions across our nation. Violence against women is a human rights violation that not only devastates individuals and families, but imposes a staggering economic cost through lost productivity, healthcare expenditure and restricting women's economic empowerment.

Ending this vicious cycle requires comprehensive action across multiple fronts - reforming laws, transforming patriarchal attitudes, ensuring justice, providing survivor support services, and addressing root causes like gender discrimination.

At Trayo, our efforts span legal literacy camps to educate women on their rights, self-defense training, operating shelters for domestic violence survivors, economic empowerment programs, and community engagement to challenge regressive mindsets. We partner with grassroots organizations, law enforcement and policymakers to strengthen prevention and protection frameworks.

But this battle cannot be won without society's collective commitment. We must all speak out against misogyny, objectification and regressive mindsets. We must raise our sons to respect women and our daughters to know their rights. Communities, authorities and institutions must take zero tolerance stances.

Join us in being the voice for India's daughters, mothers and sisters whose cries for safety and justice remain unheard for far too long. Support our mission to create a nation where public spaces, homes and minds are free from the scourge of gender violence. A nation where every woman and girl can live with dignity, free from fear.

Preserving India's Sacred Heritage: The Importance of Saving Our Temples

India is a land of unparalleled cultural richness, where ancient temples stand as towering testaments to our civilization's architectural marvels and spiritual traditions. However, many of these sacred sites are facing threats of decay, neglect, and even demolition, putting our priceless heritage at risk.

At the Trayo Foundation, we believe that preserving India's temples is not just about safeguarding ancient structures – it's about protecting the heart and soul of our culture, the very essence that has shaped our identity over millennia. These temples are living repositories of our ancestors' wisdom, artistic brilliance, and devotional practices.

Beyond their religious significance, Indian temples showcase incredible feats of engineering, intricate sculptures, and exquisite craftsmanship that have inspired awe across generations. They are masterpieces that have withstood the test of time, bearing witness to the ingenuity and creativity of our forefathers.

Yet, tragically, many of these sacred spaces are crumbling due to lack of resources, urbanization pressures, and inadequate conservation efforts. The ravages of time, coupled with human neglect, have left priceless frescoes fading, delicate carvings eroding, and once-grand structures teetering on the brink of ruin.

Preserving these temples is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about safeguarding the intangible heritage that they embody. Each temple holds within its walls stories, myths, and traditions that have been passed down orally for centuries, weaving together the tapestry of our collective consciousness.

By restoring and maintaining these sacred sites, we ensure that future generations can connect with their cultural roots, understand the wisdom embedded in these architectural wonders, and appreciate the ingenuity of their ancestors. It's about fostering a deep sense of pride, identity, and continuity amidst the rapidly changing modern world.

At the Trayo Foundation, our temple conservation efforts involve partnering with local communities, heritage experts, and artisans to undertake meticulous restoration projects. We work tirelessly to secure funding, raise awareness, and leverage traditional craftsmanship to breathe new life into these ancient monuments.

But our work extends beyond physical restoration. We also strive to revive the living traditions associated with these temples, such as music, dance, and ritualistic practices, ensuring that the cultural legacy they represent remains vibrant and alive.

Join us in this mission to preserve India's sacred heritage. Support our temple conservation initiatives and be part of the movement to protect these treasures for generations to come. Together, we can ensure that our children and grandchildren can bask in the glory of our ancestors' timeless creations and draw inspiration from the enduring wisdom they enshrine.