EkiBeki is not just a social enterprise—it is a movement towards preserving India's rich artisanal heritage and creating sustainable livelihoods for rural craftsmen. Derived from the concept of "oneness of interests, sentiments, and pursuits," EkiBeki stands as a beacon of balance, connecting the traditional with the contemporary, and social impact with economic progress.
At its heart, EkiBeki aims to bridge the gap between the age-old skills of rural artisans and the demands of modern consumers. Founded by Vishpala Hundekari and Neelesh Hundekari, this design-driven enterprise is committed to upskilling artisans, providing them with infrastructure, and creating innovative product designs. This mission has a broader impact than just commerce—EkiBeki is reversing the trend of rural-to-urban migration, preserving the dignity of master craftsmen, and breathing life into dying crafts that are at risk of fading away.
The Vision: Merging Tradition with Modernity
In today’s fast-paced, machine-driven world, traditional craftsmanship often struggles to find relevance. Many artisans face the challenge of keeping their art alive amidst rapid urbanization and industrialization. EkiBeki was founded to address this challenge and create a sustainable model for preserving traditional skills.
The organization’s name, "EkiBeki," symbolizes unity and diversity. EkiBeki believes that traditional crafts and contemporary products are not at odds with each other. In fact, when harmonized, they can create something truly unique. By blending the old with the new, EkiBeki shows that artisanal crafts can remain relevant in today’s world.
The Founders: A Commitment to Artisans
Vishpala Hundekari and Neelesh Hundekari are the driving forces behind EkiBeki. With a background in architecture from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, and furniture design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, Vishpala brings a unique perspective to her work. Over the past 20 years, she has designed residential interiors that seamlessly blend traditional crafts with modern urban spaces. For the last 15 years, she has worked closely with artisans in small villages across India, helping them adapt their skills to meet contemporary needs.
Her extensive experience and deep understanding of both design and craftsmanship have made her a regular speaker at schools, colleges, and corporate events on the subject of Indian crafts and design. Vishpala’s passion for preserving traditional craftsmanship is the foundation upon which EkiBeki is built.
Major Achievements and Recognitions
EkiBeki’s work has been widely recognized both nationally and internationally. Some of their major achievements include:
Selection in the 14th cohort of the Goldman Sachs 10k Women Program at NSRCEL.
Participation in Nest’s Artisan Sustainability Accelerator in 2023.
Inclusion in the Global Ambassadors Program by Vital Voices (2023 cohort), which selected top 52 women from 29 countries working in the handmade sector.
A special mention for Vishpala in the “Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Award” for social impact in the craft sector in 2021.
Selection in Facebook’s Pragati CSR initiative powered by The/Nudge Centre for Social Innovation in 2022.
These accolades highlight EkiBeki’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the social empowerment of artisans.
Focus on SDG Goals: Decent Work, Economic Growth, and Responsible Consumption
EkiBeki’s work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The organization believes that providing artisans with decent work and economic opportunities is vital for preserving traditional crafts. At the same time, they advocate for responsible consumption by promoting sustainable, handcrafted products.
By focusing on these SDG goals, EkiBeki creates a ripple effect. Not only do they generate livelihoods for rural artisans, but they also raise awareness among consumers about the importance of ethical consumption. Through their products, EkiBeki shows that sustainable production is not just possible, but desirable.
A Holistic Approach to Craft Revival
EkiBeki’s approach to preserving traditional crafts is holistic. It’s not just about keeping the art alive; it’s about ensuring that these crafts have a place in today’s world. EkiBeki works closely with artisans, providing them with the technical expertise needed to produce modernized and contemporary lifestyle accessories. This enables artisans to access new markets, both corporate and retail.
At the same time, EkiBeki focuses on empowering artisans by upskilling them and providing them with the infrastructure they need to succeed. This includes everything from workshops and training programs to marketing support and access to new sales channels. By doing so, EkiBeki ensures that artisans can continue to practice their craft in a sustainable and profitable way.
Preventing Rural-to-Urban Migration
One of the biggest challenges facing rural artisans is the lure of urban migration. Many craftsmen are forced to leave their villages in search of better economic opportunities in the cities. This not only disrupts their lives but also leads to the decline of traditional crafts.
EkiBeki’s mission is to reverse this trend. By providing artisans with opportunities to earn a living through their craft, EkiBeki helps keep them rooted in their communities. This not only preserves the traditional skills that have been passed down through generations but also ensures that rural areas remain vibrant and self-sustaining.
Real Impact: Stories of Change
EkiBeki’s work has a real and lasting impact on the lives of artisans and their communities. Here are just a few examples:
The Transformation of Artisan Clusters in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, EkiBeki has been working with rural artisans who specialize in traditional crafts. Through a series of initiatives, including skill development workshops and infrastructure enhancements, EkiBeki has helped these artisans create new designs that appeal to contemporary consumers. The project has opened up new opportunities in both local and international markets, providing artisans with a steady income and recognition for their work.
The Story of Anil, a Master Craftsman from Rajasthan
Anil is a master craftsman from Rajasthan who has been practicing his craft for decades. However, like many artisans, he struggled to find a market for his work in the modern world. EkiBeki provided Anil with the training and resources he needed to create products that are in demand in today’s market. Today, Anil’s work is sold in high-end boutiques and corporate offices, and he has become a mentor for younger artisans in his community.
These stories are just a small glimpse of the impact that EkiBeki is having across India. By empowering artisans and preserving traditional crafts, EkiBeki is creating a better future for rural communities.
Expanding Global Reach and Impact
While EkiBeki’s roots are firmly planted in India, their impact is growing globally. The organization has been selected for several international programs, including Nest’s Artisan Sustainability Accelerator and the Global Ambassadors Program by Vital Voices. These platforms provide EkiBeki with the opportunity to collaborate with other social enterprises around the world, share knowledge, and further their impact.
Looking ahead, EkiBeki aims to scale its operations by partnering with more artisan clusters and expanding its product lines. The goal is to reach a wider audience and make an even bigger impact, both socially and economically.
The Future of EkiBeki: Scaling Up and Innovating
EkiBeki’s work is far from over. As the organization continues to grow, they remain committed to their mission of preserving traditional crafts and empowering artisans. To achieve this, EkiBeki is constantly innovating—whether it’s through new product designs, better marketing strategies, or collaborations with global organizations.
The future is bright for EkiBeki. With a clear vision and a strong commitment to social impact, they are well-positioned to continue making a difference in the lives of artisans and the communities they serve.
Conclusion: EkiBeki’s Legacy
EkiBeki is more than just a social enterprise. It’s a symbol of hope for India’s artisans, a lifeline for traditional crafts, and a powerful force for social change. By connecting the past with the present and the rural with the urban, EkiBeki is creating a future where traditional skills thrive, communities prosper, and craftsmanship is valued and celebrated.
Through their work, EkiBeki is showing the world that traditional crafts have a place in the modern world—and that they can be a powerful tool for social change.
This impact story offers a detailed yet humble narrative, showcasing EkiBeki's mission, achievements, and the real difference they are making.
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