After the Tibetan Settlement in India, with joint efforts from the Dalai Lama and the Indian Government, the Tibetans fulfilled their socio-economic needs and aspirations by practicing co-operation. The Handicraft Society was established in Dharamsala in 1963. Since then the society has trained many Tibetans in the art of weaving traditional woolen carpet in an effort to preserve Tibetan culture and arts. It also provides employment during this time of hardship in exile as well as: accommodation; education; pension plans; medicare; and funeral expenses. The society provides 3 months winter holidays and helps give loans to share-holders, who are sweater sellers and travel down to the plains of India to sell hundreds of woolen sweaters in various towns and street stalls.