Mr. Naresh Kalmethar – A Success Story
Whenever you come across success stories of people that had to deal with adversities and emerge as a stronger individual, it inspires one and all. Naresh Kalmethar’s story isn’t any different. Born in poverty, Naresh had to struggle hard to make his and family’s needs meet. So, what did he do? He took up fishing. This was some 12 years ago when he was still looking for a breakthrough in his career. The creative side in him prompted him to look beyond fishing and explore new areas.
The turning point!
“This was when I came across a local newspaper advertisement. It was back in 2002. The advertisement was about a training course in coir handicrafts that was to be organized by Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Sindhudurg,” he reminisces. “This was the opportunity that I was waiting for,” he continues.
JSS or Jan Shikshan Sansthan was formerly known as Shramik Vidyapeeth. This Govt. of India sponsored people’s education program has helped transform several people’s lives. The training institute is a part of Mother NGO Manav Sadhan Vikas Sanstha.
“The time I spent with JSS was beneficial as well as memorable. After the completion of the course, I took financial help from State Bank of India and opened a coir industry in Malvan. I was assisted by The Coir Board of India as they provided me with motorized rat machines at the same time.” Narrates Naresh.
“Six craftsmen were working for me in the beginning. However, today, there are more than 60 locals working alongside me. Our products are sold in the local market and the demand for us is increasing.” a proud Naresh says.
Increased confidence
It was Naresh’s zeal to do something different and constructive that made him to expand his market boundaries and scale up his production. JSS Sindhudurg came to his help once again. This time, he was sent to Kerala where he was required to spend six months undergoing advance training in coir. Thiruvanantpuram-based Handicrafts Design Center soon became his second home.
The time he spent at the Center was a learning experience for Naresh, especially in seashell jewelry and coir products. He later shared his experience to his craftsmen and soon enough the production activities kick-started. He is also often invited to be a guest lecturer or as a guide by JSS.
Potential for small-scale industries
The potential for the growth of sectors like handicrafts and sea shell jewelry at places like Sindhudurg is immense. This is because the region has a 120 km coastline and is abundant with raw materials like seashells, coconut, and husk. Therefore, for those industries that wish to open new seashell art and jewelry centers and coir units, Sindhudurg presents a wonderful opportunity.
The tourism-friendly town of Malvan has ensured that talented individuals like Naresh have opened outlets here. With more than 6 lakh tourists visiting this part of the country each year, potential for small-scale sectors like handicrafts and seashell jewelry is immense.
The future
“It is my dream to own an arts and craft center. And I want to call it ‘Deep Arts n Craft Center’. The center will be used for different purposes including research, training, production, and sale. It will be spread across 3 acres and will be located at Malvan,” concludes Naresh.
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