The centre started work in 1972 in Tilonia, a village in Ajmer district, Rajasthan. The handicraft section, though, was introduced only in 1982. With 20 institutes in 13 states, Barefoot works in villages to provide villagers what they need. ``We teach everything, from handicrafts to how to repair a handpump. The aim is to empower the rural population with basic skills needed to work and make a living,'' says Susan Abraham, a co-ordinator withBarefoot.

The fundamental idea behind Barefoot College is that those who run the centres are villagers who understand the needs of their home and people best. ``Many of them are not even educated, but we feel that they know best what they require,'' said Abraham.The person who handles the solar electrification section, for instance, has not only set up units all over villages in Jammu and Kashmir, he has also trained hundreds on how to look after them. And he has not even passed secondary school. While over 500 people from across north India are involved with the handicrafts section, the strength of those who avail of Barefoot's services is much more. ``There are people who work on projects such as building schools. They work in tandem with village authorities,'' explained Kailash Sharma, who looks after the handicrafts section.

The bazaar will sell handicrafts from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Most of the items on display are handmade by women, who are given the opportunity by Barefoot to earn a living and gain some experience and basic health and education facilities.

At Parna Kutir, next to Ashoka Hall, Vile Parle, till February 7.