After Tsunamika, artisans make Karuna dolls as symbols of hope, resilience

She is hope, unity, diversity, strength, creativity, resilience and joy. We are talking about qualities of Karuna dolls — a symbol of resilience and hope to be shared across the country and eventually beyond borders, to inspire people to support artisans. These dolls are handmade by women’s groups from six Indian states. After Tsunamika dolls, designer Uma Prajapati and team have created Karuna dolls in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. “Because of the pandemic, millions of lives and livelihoods are at stake. These dolls are made by artisans and weavers from several coastal villages in Tamil Nadu. Karuna dolls are a symbol of compassion and representation of India’s craft movement,” Uma says excitedly.

The designer adds that Karuna dolls follow in the footsteps of her sister Tsunamika, a doll of hope born from the ocean.

“Karuna dolls hails from the forest of Auroville. The lush green forest with the mango trees, cashew trees and the neem trees is her home. She stands rooted like a warrior in the red earth that nourishes her soul and fills her heart with compassion. Her compassion goes out to all those who toil for the earth — artisans, farmers, craftsmen, all who work with their hands to create beauty and dignity in the world. As Tsunamika, shines her light for oceans and ecology, Karuna takes her pride in place working for the forest, the land and the artisans,” she remarks.

Karuna dolls from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are distinctly identified by the vibrant colours of red, pink and green. “Tamil Nadu saree colour combinations are very vibrant. We have made the same colour combination for the dolls. The fabric that is used to make the dolls is representative of the south Indian states. Four little dolls come packaged together in palm leaf pouch, meticulously woven by local communities around the region.” The Karuna dolls project is initiated by Creative Dignity to support artisans and handmade industry. “Our artisans need support and creative dignity has emerged as a citizen’s movement in multiple states all over India. The focus is to provide relief, and rejuvenation of the artisans in a bid to ensure their sustained prosperity,” stresses Uma.