There are no limits to human ingenuity as evidenced by an article today in OneWorld South Asia that speaks about an inventor that has discovered a method to weave silk without harming the delicate worms responsible for the fabric’s construction. According to the article, a single sari used to require the death of 50,000 worms!

One little known voice of compassion comes from Hyderabad, where Kusuma Rajaiah — after years of research — now produces silk without killing the worms.

Unlike other animal rights campaigns, the dire fate of the silkworm does not incite such attention. For many, however, the ability to use silk without causing harm is very significant. Doing so allows them to utilize the material in a nonviolent fashion, assuaging any moral reservations that could have otherwise arisen.

“All my products are done on handlooms and benefits several weaver families,” says Kusuma. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he calls this silk ahimsa (non-violent). While ahimsa silk may lack the shine of regular silk, it is comfortable to wear. It’s also wrinkle-free and has a better fall.

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