Fire Works
Introduction
Fireworks items of occasional use are forms of art and beauty, which give pleasure and enjoyment to the on lookers. They are used in every sphere of life. Commercial manufacturers develop novel fireworks, which are mainly meant for amusement. They are used in festivals and in marriage ceremonies. Department of Defense with Government funds also develop a few kinds of fireworks such as flares, signals etc., which have their applications in Navy and Railways also. The art of making fireworks is treated as a craft. Careful diligence and novel imagination shall make the pyrotechnic more artistic which involves often hard work and patience. Traditionally the art of making fireworks in India experienced very slow growth. This is for the genuine reason that they were with hands of very limited private families of South India, coupled with but they had been tied up with cut- threat competition even from among their own families. But it is believed that, renaissance took place only in 80’s and only during that period artistic features in respect of designs and packing were added and a few mechanical devices were introduced the replace manual operations. This industry still suffers from a serious lacuna that latest techniques are still to be implemented to the fullest extend so that the people of India will enjoy COLOR fireworks with satisfaction.
In India preparation and sale of fireworks, explosives and similar device are illegal unless they are carried out in duly licensed premises. Though the fireworks manufacturers with their indent knowledge and experience make, handle and store fireworks so many accidents occur causing injuries and loss of lives. Despite the above reason, it is once again invited that experiment in fireworks with reluctance and carelessness is not at all advisable as the odds are too much against the manufacture of fireworks.
Fireworks industry of Sivakasi was started in a very small way in the year 1923 by two illustrious sons of Sivakasi Thiru.P.Ayya Nadar and Thiru.A.Shanmuga Nadar son after their initial training at Calcutta. Their monumental contribution to the Industrial Development of Sivakasi has today brought this once obscure place to aprentizious positions to meet the entire demand of fireworks of our country, but also the sophisticated markets like United States of America and Japan.
Time and again the security of the surrounding from the Fireworks Industry is questioned. Total ban of the industry is demanded whenever there is fireworks connected accident. But somehow the same norm is not applied to other industries. If we start banning each and every industry because of any accident, we can not think there will be any industry in existence.
In our country, the usage of fireworks is clearly linked with the celebration of the most important Hindu festival Diwali. Can we imagine a Diwali without fireworks? As long as we celebrate Diwali the question of demand recession for fireworks does not arise. The per capita income of our country is gradually improving. So there is every chance of increase in demand for fireworks in the years to come.
Fireworks are classified as non essential luxury products produced with low technology. Today we see a vast vista of global market is opening up. Till today trial and error method is the only opted technique by Indian Fireworks manufacturers. For the future growth of fireworks industry in a systematic and scientific way the establishment of a well equipped modern research laboratory in Sivakasi is a must. Since our Government is very keen to take enlarge export in a big way, it is sure that the central as well as State Government will come forward at least now to fulfill their longfelt need. When the Industry starts earning considerable foreign exchange, we shall see a spectacular change in the image of the industry.
The technology adopted in fireworks industry is highly labor intensive. All the raw materials required are indigenously produced. A developing country like us with its teeming unemployed millions, highly labour intensive industries like fireworks alone can provide gainful employment to the less fortunate youngsters. Our economy should be well equipped and we can not ignore the development of labour intensive industries, however low the technology adopted it may be. Fireworks industry gives gainful employment to nearly 60,000 people directly. Another 1,00,000 people are employed indirectly in fireworks connected activities such as paper tube making, wire cutting, box making, lorry transport, sales and distribution in a country wide basis. The present standard of living of fireworks employees has considerably improved.
The Pyrotechnic technology has a significant role to play in the nation’s economic growth. According to Shri K.N Ghosh, the controller of Explosives in Sivakasi as well as the author of the recent publication “The Principles of Fireworks” there are now more than 350 Fireworks Industries and about 450 store houses. There are about 20,000 licensed dealers throughout India. The estimated turnover of fireworks industry is about Rs.500 millions. State Government collects about 20 millions rupees by way of sales tax from fireworks industry alone. Sivakasi Railway Station gets a revenue of Rs.15 millions. If we look at Sivakasi industries from revenue angle their contribution to the national economy is quite commendable.
With its overwhelming production of crackers, Sivakasi has become a household name throughout the length and breadth of our country. This small town with a population of around 80,000 and humming with industrial activity contributes crores of rupees to the Government Treasury by way of Central Excise and other revenues. Insurance is a boon to the hand made industries in Sivakasi. While Bank advances money for the growth of this industry, the Insurance Companies offer security for the industry so that there is full indemnity in case of a misfortune like fire, explosion which may cripple the industry in the normal course.