Needed, innovation in our saree state

The chief minister of Karnataka should be commended for splurging on a waterproof silk saree for his wife. Not merely does this highlight the obvious fondness he bears for his spouse — as the item cost a tidy Rs 1.08 lakh — but also the remarkable strides the saree weaving industry in India is making. Whereas elsewhere in the world there has been considerable research into what are colloquially called air-conditioned fabrics — an innovation that should also, arguably, be incorporated into the saree-weaving sector — waterproofing this crucial item of feminine attire is a good beginning to make the timeless garment more appropriate for the extreme weather conditions that the planet now faces.

This innovation highlights the urgent need to upgrade the saree in general. After all, apart from changes in types of yarn and some variations in patterns and weaves, there has not been enough of an effort to make the saree more suitable for the 21st century. For instance, built-in pockets for the paraphernalia of modern life — to obviate the need for handbags — could be a game-changer for the saree. Even a technological breakthrough to eliminate the need to stitch ‘falls’ to strengthen the lower edges of sarees would be of tremendous help. A national initiative is needed to save the saree from eventual extinction by making it future-ready.