INDUS-TREE CRAFTS : A journey as sweet as its destination

Sustainable ideas always stand the test of time. A case in point is the story of a much-known hybrid social enterprise named “Indus-Tree”. Founded in 1994 by a young visionary named Neelam Chhiber, along with social investor Gita Ram, and co-founder Poonam Bir Kasturi, this organisation channels its efforts in connecting the skilled artisans of the villages to the urban distribution system, in a bid to promote and protect the dexterity of the craftsmen.

Industree Crafts Foundation was setup in 2000 to focus on the natural fibre products, in developing the design and the technical and skill initiatives required to promote the same into the market.  The pioneering work focused on creating considerable value addition for agricultural by-products and other natural fibres in terms of product diversification, design, simplification of labour and time intensive process.

Creating a socially-aware company isn’t necessarily limited to philanthropy. In fact, in today’s era it makes perfect business sense. Industree’s success as a hybrid business enterprise bears testimony to that fact.

Industree also created a niche brand, “Mother Earth” to market its earthy products, and subsequently opened stores to stock the products. The offerings range from Natural Fashion, home furnishings, as well as health supplements. The USP of these products is that they are all made from natural raw materials and play their part in sustaining the economic growth of the backward strata of the society.

The story just goes on to prove that the innate desire to do something right, coupled with a sound business acumen, culminate in a creation that has far reaching effects throughout the years. If this was not motivation enough, the recognition for the work done always illuminates the path for many others to follow.

“The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, a sister organization of theWorld Economic Forum, in partnership with the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation announced Neelam Chhiber, Managing Director, Indus Tree Crafts Foundation (ICF), as the winner of the 2011 India Social Entrepreneur of the Year award” – indiainfoline.com, Nov 14, 2011.

You have the ideas, the desire, and the calibre. We bring to you the platform. Kalpavriksha 2012 – Creating stories of change…

Industree- A sustainable agent of change

For more details on Industree visit: http://www.industree.org.in/