Sustainable Craftsmanship with Pukhraj Ranjan, CEO of Moi Namaste
WHAT IS THE SERIES ABOUT? Young Voices is a project created by the Helsinki Hub of the Global Shapers youth organization. The aim is to give an opportunity for young people to talk about topics that are interesting to them, share their knowledge, and to inspire you. In the project, we will be launching new episodes (podcasts or articles) every two weeks. In the series, we will cover a range of topics from sustainability and personal development to health tech and AI — topics that feel vital to young people.
“I’m still very passionate about giving back to the country I am from, which is India.”
In this episode My Nguyen from the Young Voices team talks with one of our Helsinki Hub Shapers Pukhraj Ranjan about her work on sustainable craftsmanship. Pukhraj is the CEO and founder of Moi Namaste, a Helsinki-based enterprise that co-creates craft products together with Indian crafts artisans, which will be then sold to people living in Finland. In this way the company wants to support the important work of the local artisans, while also bringing a pinch of Indian crafts culture to the Nordics.
My and Pukhraj will be discussing the work between the two countries and cultures, which Moi Namaste beautifully represents. The idea of founding the company was actually born at her wedding — — which you will hear more about if you listen to the episode! Nevertheless this idea gave roots for a company that now reaches over 250 Indian artisans and a handful of self-help organizations. Impressive, huh?
Listen to Pukhraj’s whole story and learn more about craftsmanship!
I bet you didn’t know this…
India is home to nearly 7 million artisans making 40% of the global artisanal workforce. However, their income merely accounts for 2% of the 400 billion USD global handicraft industry (Dasra, 2013).
In India, there are approximately 2.2 million self-help groups (NABARD, 2006) representing 33 million members who have taken micro-finance services to start their own small businesses. Self-help groups are seen as instruments of changes empowering women to take ownership, develop leadership skills and sustain a stable life for themselves and their families.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have any questions or comments or would like to participate in some of the future episodes, just contact us via mail at youngvoices@shapershel.org. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn Global Shapers Helsinki Hub and on Instagram @shapershel to find out more about the project and get updates about new episodes!
Check out the gorgeous handmade craft products and learn more about Moi Namaste at https://www.moinamaste.com/.
— — And if you are still eager to know more about Pukhraj and her work, follow her on Instagram @pukhrajranjan & @moi.namaste
