In 1981 six women come together to start an organization that dealt with the problems of traditional artisans in contemporary India. They all shared the belief that craft, despite the strains of urbanization and industrialization, is still viable as a means of earning and employment. With this view in mind, Dastkar came into existence in October 1981. Headed by Ms Laila Tyabji the chairperson of Dastkar, the organisation's goals are to make the crafts groups self-reliant. Today Dastkar is working in 19 states of India, with 180 crafts groups--35-40 of whom receive the whole gamut of Dastkar services and the rest benifit from marketing activities.