Organisation:
Baansuli- Bamboo ArtisaN Socio-economic UpLiftment Initiative
Location:
Dang, Gujarat
Problem:
Dang is one of the most economically distressed district out of 640 districts in India having 98% of the tribal population. The major source of income is agriculture but due to hilly terrain, post monsoon Dang faces water scarcity creating discouragement for cultivation practices. As a result, Dangs observes seasonal migration of cultivators and agriculture laborers. Ms. Saloni Sacheti observed that this area is bamboo abundant and decided to use bamboo as a source of income generation for the tribal people. She founded a project called ‘Baansuli- BAmboo ArtisaN Socio-economic UpLiftment Initiative’ in which uniquely handcrafted bamboo earrings made from locally sourced variety of Manvel bamboo. This contemporary jewellery uses german silver, semi-precious stones, tussles etc. to make it more attractive.
Solution:
Ms. Saloni Sacheti after pursuing Law, started working as a lawyer in electricity law where she had clients like PowerGrid, NTPC, Railways and so on. Then she applied for SBI Youth Fellowship where she found her inspiration to work for rural population. Baansuli started as a project during fellowship which was initiated to give livelihood options to tribal and to promote handicrafts and tribal skills. Being India’s only contemporary bamboo jewellery makers, they have made the sales of more Rs. 2,75,000 in 13 months and introduced 135 plus designs for earrings, 30 plus designs of neck pieces and 20 plus for bracelets and rings. Artisans who were then indulged in manual labour and doing migration started working with Baansuli to revive the art and culture and to earn livelihood and further stop migrating.
Scalability and Impact:
The initiative aims to create sustainable livelihood option for these tribals through training these tribals and turning them into artisans. Direct beneficiaries of this project are Artisans working with baansuli and their families and indirect beneficiaries are retailers, distributors, exhibitors and Indian government. They aim to scale it up nationally and globally through national and international exhibitions, website, offline store, expanding product line and expansion of group and replicating in various other areas where bamboo is easily sourced.
Financial Requirements:
Financial
Awards and Recognition:
3M CII Young Innovators Challenge Award under rural category