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Ambi and Ambadas

"Hi, my name is Ambadas and my wife is Ambi, and we come from Solapur district. We have been married for 23 years now. I think we are made for each other. I am 49 years old, and I have been making these wall hangings since I was 20.

My father used to weave shawls, saris and stoles while my siblings and I were at school until he fell ill and was unable to work full time. Being the eldest in the family, I had a lot of responsibilities trusted on my shoulders. I did my B-com first year, and had to give it up because of financial crisis and besides, I had to dedicate all of my time to continue my father's work. I opted for a different craft because I was not so keen on the shawls and saris. I took a course on handloom weaving at the Bhadrawati Society, where they offer skill training to unemployed people.

"After my training, I installed a pit loom at home and thus began my journey. I am very lucky to have had my father as my guiding force. Though he was not able to help me physically, he motivated and encouraged me. Sadly, I lost him 20 years ago. Slowly and steadily I installed more and more looms, and now I have ten looms and about 25 artisans with me.

"My beautiful wife is my backbone, my strength and my everything. We married in 1984 and she has been my side through good and bad times. I taught her to weave and she does amazing work.

"In general our designs are not theme-specific, but they usually feature deities, flowers, and geometrical patterns with bright colors. I have been participating in government-sponsored exhibitions for 15 years now. I give a lot of importance to customer's feedback, and I incorporate their good suggestions into my designs. I am so glad to be associated with Novica. Your feedback will be highly appreciated.

"My wife and I have three children and they are all studying because I feel education is the foundation of life. Only when you have proper education, can you go ahead in life and be at a par with others."