*Chiseling Dreams: The Legacy of Andhra’s Wooden Artisans
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Sri Balaji Wood Carving Artisans Mutually Aided Co-operative Ltd. Works in the area of Andhra Pradesh’s rich wooden carving heritage. Founded in the 1970s by P. Muni Achari, the cooperative specializes in creating intricate God and Goddess idols, wall panels, furniture, toys, and temple essentials. Supported by NABARD since 2016, the group has grown from 200 to 500 artisans, earning ₹20,000-30,000 per month while preserving a craft that takes months of dedication.
Recognized with accolades like the YSR Lifetime Achievement
Award (2021) and the A.P. State Annual Tourism Excellence Award (2023-24), the
cooperative is a beacon of tradition and opportunity. By providing 15 to 25
days of work monthly, it not only sustains livelihoods but also keeps Andhra’s
timeless artistry alive, one masterpiece at a time.
This Cooperative participated in the National Grameen Bharat Mahotsav organised at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, by NABARD and Department of Financial Services (M/o Finance) from 4th to 9th January, 2025. The Mahotsav, through various discussions, workshops and masterclasses, aimed to enhance rural infrastructure, create self-reliant economies, and foster innovation within rural communities. Its objectives included promoting economic stability and financial security among rural populations, with a special focus on North-East India, by addressing financial inclusion and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
A significant focus of the Mahotsav remained to empower rural women through entrepreneurship; bring together government officials, thought leaders, rural entrepreneurs, artisans and stakeholders from diverse sectors to build a roadmap for collaborative and collective rural transformation; encourage discussions around leveraging technology and innovative practices to enhance rural livelihoods; and showcase India's rich cultural heritage through vibrant performances and exhibitions.
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