Poompuhar gets ready to display and sell handicrafts in Malaysia

According to sources, Poompuhar, the sales wing of TNHDC, is gearing up to meet the demand considering the large number of Tamils living there. 

A three-member team is now packing figurines, idols, Thanjavur paintings and handicrafts worth Rs 1 crore. They will be displayed at the National Sports Complex in Kuala Lumpur.

Sources said these are quality products mostly handmade and designed for overseas customers. TNHDC is also eyeing the US and Singapore markets, where exhibitions have been conducted in the past.

“More tie-ups with Asian counterparts through the India Trade Promotion Organisation are on the anvil. In a phased manner, Poompuhar will reach out to overseas market, where south Indian culture and tradition is practised,” Chandra Mohan, TNHDC Chief Managing Director told DTNext. 

Based on the Deepavali sales, the second set of Indo-Malaysian sales exhibition will be conducted at Batu Caves, the famous abode of Lord Murugan in Malaysia. Bronze idols of Lord Muruga with Valli – Deivanai, brass lamps, stone and rosewood figurines of Ganesha, Thanjavur paintings on Krishna are part of the overseas consignment, Chandra Mohan said.

A design research and development centre (DRDC) has been set up at a cost of Rs 1.68 crores for working on 3D printing of moulds. These moulds will help the artisans associated with TNHDC for production of bronze icons in a short span.

Stating that there has been a lull in the sale of handicrafts sale post the implementation of GST, a Poompuhar official said, “We are reworking on the business model by introducing discounts, so that the customers do not feel the pinch of the imposed tax.”