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| Padmashree awardee struggles |
| Now he has brought 27 handloom cooperatives together under one banner called Ecotex, which employs over a 1000 women
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| INDIA
, 2-February-2007
2:46:11 AM |
| P Gopinath, a master weaver from Kerala, is a Padmashree award winner this year. He was recognised for virtually resurrecting the handloom sector in Kerala.
But after 40 years of selfless service, the man himself could practically be on the streets if he does not pay off a loan by March 1.
Gopinath is a hero to thousands of women from backward castes whom he taught the weaving skill. For over 40 years, this school dropout has been working with them and for them.
Now he has brought 27 handloom cooperatives together under one banner called Ecotex, which employs over a 1000 women.
He has donated his land, his money and his life to this cause.
"He has taught the skills to nearly 10,000 women - all free of cost. He is a good man. He helps everyone. Whenever we needed money, he helped us out," said Udayakumari, Ecotex.
But after helping others all his life, Gopinath himself needs help.
The man who enriched so many lives is now in penury. His house might be attached and auctioned if he does not pay off a pending loan.
He was even forced to pawn his wife's jewellery. But he remains undaunted.
"I do not need anything now, apart from food and medicines. That all of them will provide. When I die, I will be cremated on a strip of land," said Gopinath.
Even in his poverty, Gopinath is too proud to take any financial help.
"If we try to help him, he will not take anything from us," said Padmakumari, Ecotex.
Here is a man who has been selflessly working for the upliftment of those around him, a Gandhi of our time, perhaps and a reminder that all is not lost and that there is still some hope left in our cynical times.
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