Soul of Bhuttico

The Bhuttico Society was struggling under immense pressure from power loom shawls, which started marketing similar shawls using block prints of the Kullu design at a third of the market price. In 1956, Mr. Vedram Thakur, the brightest alumnus of the Industrial Training Institute, gave up his successful weaving industry, donating everything to the society. He joined its ranks and was elected President, bringing his wisdom, vision, and hard work, which today has been embodied in "Bhuttico."

He was born, like many great men, to a poor family in Kullu's lovely Lug Valley on 21 April 1921. After joining the society, Mr. Thakur was elected President in 1956. From that day forward, he transformed the society from a dormant cooperative into a thriving one. Mr. Thakur not only donated his industry but also brought his business and administrative expertise, laying a strong foundation for the society's systematic growth. He worked closely with member weavers, encouraging them to increase productivity, teaching them new designs, and introducing them to Paddle looms and fly shuttle technology, which enabled the society to achieve new production levels.

On the marketing front, he created new avenues by opening showrooms in tourist destinations like Palampur, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Mussoorie. He also collaborated with government agencies to secure incentives and grants that bolstered the society's financial position and infrastructure. His 14 years of steadfast loyalty transformed the society from its humble beginnings to its current prestigious status.

He led the cooperative movement in Kullu and remained passionate about weaving until his untimely death on 31 October 1971, shortly after his fiftieth birthday. He lived to see his dream, the Bhutti Colony, take shape. Upon his death, he was mourned as the "Father of Kullu Shawl Industry," a fitting and affectionate title.