Losing Youth to Other Jobs
When the courtyard becomes silent
In a Telangana village, evenings were once filled with sound. The tapping of tools, the soft pull of thread, elders speaking while young hands worked beside them. Today, the same courtyards fall quiet early. The light goes off sooner. The tools rest untouched in corners.
The youth are away—on buses to cities, in factories, at construction sites, behind hotel counters. The house is full, yet something is missing.
A craft that grew with generations
These crafts did not appear suddenly. They grew slowly, like crops on dry land. Skills passed from grandparent to parent, from parent to child.
Every design carried memory—of festivals, of drought years, of marriage songs and temple days. Craft was not just work; it was identity.
In Telangana, making something with the hand was never considered small. It was honest, respected, and rooted in the land.
How the work once flowed
Work began early. Children learned by watching. Elders corrected gently. Hands grew strong with time, not training centers.
The process was slow but meaningful. Each step mattered. Each mistake taught patience.
The craft was part of daily rhythm—like meals, prayers, seasons.
The craftsmen today
Many senior artisans still sit where they always did. Their hands remember even when the body gets tired. They wait for younger hands to return, to learn, to continue.
But often, only memories return.
Why the youth are leaving
Young people want stability. They want regular income, dignity, a future they can plan.
Craft does not always give that now. Payments are low. Orders are uncertain. Society calls this work “old”. Cities promise faster money, even if the work is harder.
No youth leaves with joy. They leave with hope—and a little guilt.
Support and its limits
There are government programs, training schemes, and exhibitions. Some help comes. Some gets lost in paperwork.
The intention is there. The reach is uneven. Many young people still do not see craft as a viable future.
Why this loss matters
When youth leave, knowledge breaks. Skills fade. Stories disappear.
This craft is not just about objects. It is about sustainability, culture, and belonging. Losing it means losing a part of Telangana’s soul.
When people use these crafts
When someone holds a handmade piece, they feel warmth. They feel time. They feel a human presence.
That feeling exists because someone once chose to stay, to learn, to continue.
A gentle thought
Youth should not be forced to stay. But they should not be pushed away either.
If we value the craft, respect the effort, and understand its worth, the youth may find reason to return.
Because when young hands leave, culture grows older. And when young hands stay, heritage breathes again.
To know more about this living heritage, visit: https://banjaraembroiderytg.com
Related Craft Links (Explore & Learn)
https://cheriyalscrollpainting.com
https://ikathnalgonda.com
https://lacbanglescharminar.com
https://cottondurrieswarangal.com
https://bathikpaintingsiddipet.com
https://zarizardosihyderabad.com
https://handembriderynagaram.com
https://handembriderynizamabad.com
https://bobbinlacestationghanpur.com
https://nirmaltoycrafts.com
Telangana, the youngest state in India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and world-famous handicrafts. Its traditional arts include Cheriyal Paintings, Nirmal Toys, hand embroidery (Nagaram, Nizamabad), Bobbin Lace, Banjara Embroidery, Zari–Zardozi, cotton durries, lac bangles, Baithak paintings, Ikat, pearl jewellery, intricate stone carvings, and hand-printed cotton textiles, each deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship.
The Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), under the Ministry of Textiles, aims to holistically develop handicraft clusters across India, including Telangana.
Supported by: The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), the nodal agency for promoting and developing the Indian handicrafts sector, focused on artisan empowerment, market expansion, and sustainable livelihoods.
Executed by: The Andhra Pradesh Productivity Council (APPC), an autonomous non-profit organization established in 1958 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, implementing the project in Telangana through consultancy, micro-enterprise development, skill development, training, surveys, energy audits, and rural livelihood initiatives.
Technology Partner: Next Page Technologies Pvt. Ltd., providing technology development and digital presence with expertise in enterprise web and mobile applications, ERP systems, AI, ML, analytics, and automation, and extensive experience across MSMEs, government projects, and sectors including HR Tech, Commerce, EdTech, Manufacturing, and AgriTech etc.
