Assam, 13th November: Despite the Anti-China sentiment, city markets are flooded with lights that have been made in China, and other decorative items. The clay artist and earthen lamp seller are facing problems in Pal Pada village of Silchar.
An earthen lamps maker shares his sorrow with us.
“We are facing problems as our products are ready but all that has not a good response in the market. I have made Diyas for Diwali. The market is very down due to the pandemic. We have requested the government to help us, but didn’t get any support,” Vobotosh Paul, earthen lamp maker said.
Following the state government’s ban on crackers, people are buying Chinese light due to their variety and low price.
On the other hand, the Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal continuously urging people to buy and use the local products. He captured while purchasing earthen lamps from the market.
“I urged everyone to celebrate Diwali with earthen lamps. As per PM Modi said Local-Vocal-Global. We have to first be vocal for local so that we can make it global,” said CM Sonowal.
CM has requested the people of the state to support local textile and handicraft items. He also asks people to remember PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign while buying or gifting earthen lamps to clothes during this festival season.
“I bought these lamps so that I can spread the message among all and our product will be in use. People who make these earthen lamps are very poor. We should help them,” CM added.
Shops in the city’s markets are selling a huge variety of lights from China lights to electric lamps, paper lamps, candles, etc. which directly affects the earthen lamp sellers.
Shubash Das, a resident said “Diya making process is going on for Diwali. These clay artists are facing a lot of problems due to lockdown. They are not getting any help from anywhere, not even the government is coming forward to help them. We observe that in cities people prefer to use electric or battery lights instead of earthen lamps.”
As per the source, a 20-metre long Chinese fairy light string cost Rs 50 whereas an India-made light of the same length costs around Rs 130. Similarly, China-made products in the price range of Rs 40-50 to Rs 500 offer more choice to buyers.
