Ramesh Menon, an Andheri-based events and media consultant, like any true Malayali, is a Mumbaikar with his heartstrings tied to Kerala. He has been busy for the last few weeks strategising on bringing a cluster of famed weavers from his home state back on their feet.

When Kerala faced its worst natural calamity on August 8, a weaver's collective in Chendamangalam, 36 km from Kochi, was badly hit. Framed by three rivers, seven inlets and hillocks, Chendamangalam is one of five weavers' cooperatives in the state to hold the GI (geographical indication) tag for its long-established handloom tradition. Known for creating the Kasavu mundu, handwoven sarees, dhotis and towels in super-fine cotton, the weavers, 90 per cent of them women, lost their only source of livelihood.