Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Dev. Corp. Ltd.

I’ve been working here at Hastakala Bhavan in Musheerabad for a long time. It’s right across from the telephone exchange, so it’s a landmark most people know. This place is full of things made by hand from all over the state. We have shelves and floors covered in wood carvings, cloth, and all sorts of traditional items. It’s a big building, but it feels a bit cluttered because there is just so much stuff everywhere. My job is mostly keeping track of what comes in and making sure the displays aren't too dusty. It’s a quiet place compared to the noisy street outside. We get tourists sometimes, but also locals looking for a gift. The artisans send their work to us, and we find a place for it on the shelves. Sometimes things get chipped or broken during transport, which is a shame, but we deal with it. It isn't a modern shop with bright lights and music. It’s more like a warehouse that people can walk through. We don't really push people to buy things. If they like something, they take it. The staff here has been around for years, so we all know each other well. Musheerabad is a busy part of town, but once you step inside Hastakala Bhavan, it feels a bit slower. We just keep things running and make sure the crafts are laid out properly. It is a lot of work but it feels right to be here.