Global IndianstoryA Model Life: How Ramji turns ISRO’s iconic spacecraft into detailed miniatures at Craftizan

A Model Life: How Ramji turns ISRO’s iconic spacecraft into detailed miniatures at Craftizan

Written by: Bindu Gopal Rao

(October 31, 2023) Srinivasan Ramanathan, fondly known as Ramji, is an engineer, carpenter, and the visionary founder of Craftizan. With ISRO as his top customer, he’s a self-made entrepreneur with a talent for crafting intricate scaled models, tracing his love for model-making back to his childhood.

As I open the gates of Craftizan at Belwadi Industrial Area in Hunsur on the outskirts of Mysore, I am quite amazed at the sight I see. The large area has varied models of rockets and PSLV that all closely resemble the real ones that are being assembled. “These are being done for museums and schools and are scaled models,” says Mohammed Arshad Ayub, the design engineer who is showing me around. The factory itself is abuzz with activities making smaller models of rockets and launchers and currently employs over 50 people.

Srinivasan ‘Ramji’ Ramanathan, the founder of Craftizan

Building blocks

The centre here, however, is the brainchild of Srinivasan Ramanathan, or Ramji, as he likes to be called, who has had a chequered career and is today at the helm of this unusual business with ISRO as his largest customer. However, his life has been quite a roller coaster. “I do not claim to be anyone great; in fact, I am a very simple person. But, yes, life has come a long way because of my focus on work. I did my engineering in 1967 and learned carpentry myself,” he tells Global Indian.

Ramji’s interest in making models began when he was just eight years old, when his father bought him a Meccano set (a model construction system) in 1952. The eldest of five brothers, he dabbled in the woodwork business in Pune and created furniture and interior jobs. After his wedding in 1975, he shifted to Bengaluru and set up Touchwood, a large business that did well (and even made doors for the Oberoi in Bengaluru) but eventually shut down in 1999. “We lost a lot of money, and eventually we moved to Mysore in 2003 and started doing consulting for businesses here. I returned to Bangalore for about eight years, did more consulting roles, and returned to Mysore,” he reminisces. It was then that his friend Moiz Vagh of Hunsur Plywood Works (Hunsply) suggested that he do what he really loves. That took him back to building models, and proverbially, there has been no looking back since then.

A display as part of the Wall Museum

The ‘Model’ life

Craftizan started in November 2018 when Swaminathan Ramji Creatives Model Making Company came into existence at the site owned by Shabir Vagh of VAGH Group, Mysore. The company was established with a vision to provide creative scale model making services like miniature model making, ISRO scale model making, dioramas, science museum exhibits making, marine model making, engineering model making, industrial model making, locomotive model making, DIY kits making, and product prototype model making. “Over the years, we have developed ourselves into the most trusted model-making solution provider across India, and we are planning on capturing the global market. We not only design and build the models that our clients require, but we also help them envision the models of their dreams. We brainstorm and consult on the best creative way forward for developing a great and creative model,” he says.

The ISRO journey

He started working with rocket models, and when ISRO saw the model, they liked it. Ramji was called for a meeting by N. Sudheer Kumar, who commissioned many models for ISRO offices across India. He also made railway models for Indian railways but laments that the models are not being maintained. He has also made a model of the heritage railway for Sterling Properties in Ooty. “ISRO, however, gave us a lot of backbone support, and we have received several orders from them. We started with two people here at Craftizan and now have 50 staff. The venture is completely bootstrapped, and I am happy we have jobs worth over six crores,” he explains.

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Institutions like the University of Chennai, PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore, Science City, Ahmedabad, and Savitha University from Chennai are his clients. He has also made ‘India in Space’, a wall museum that displays the history of ISRO and models of its latest launches, which has made its way into hundreds of schools in rural India. The models made here are done to perfection, from ensuring all the small parts are in place to the painting on the model.

A full life

There has been much interest in his venture, and colleges and universities are now sending students as interns to his factory. He admits that his zest for life comes from the fact that he does not like being idle. There is a lot of work to do in terms of making models, and there has been a request from some car manufacturers to make scaled-down car models. “You should keep working till the last day of your life and maintain yourself well. I have many things that I want to do. I have just started; only 10 percent of the job is done, and I have a long way to go,” he concludes. As India embarks on an ambitious space program in the coming years, this is one place whose models could well inspire the next generation of children to become scientists at ISRO.

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Published on 31, Oct 2023

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Aishwarya Sridhar: The 24-year-old documentary filmmaker who became the first Indian to bag the Wildlife Photographer Award

(October 24, 2021) The wilderness is her office, Nature, a constant companion. The first Indian to win the coveted Wildlife Photographer Award in 2020 for her photograph on fireflies Lights of Passion (chosen from 50,000 entries from 80 countries) Aishwarya Sridhar’s entry held pride of place in the august halls of the National Museum of History in London at one time. For a girl who grew up in the hustle and bustle of Panvel, the outdoors entranced her as she pranced along with her father on treks – who as a life member of the Bombay Natural History Society instilled a love for wildlife in her. Spotting a colourful dwarf Kingfisher or awed at the luminous glow of fireflies flitting in the Western Ghats, Sridhar found the power of the medium, with a conservationist spirit. “Every day is a new adventure. I look forward to spending time in the wilderness,” says the preservationist, who cherishes all those moments in verdant landscapes but feels most fortunate to have seen a tigress training her cubs to hunt in the wild. Sridhar is also the winner of Sanctuary Asia’s Young Naturalist Award, the Princess Diana Award, and is a Jackson Wild summit fellow

s a life member of the Bombay Natural History Society instilled a love for wildlife in her. Spotting a colourful dwarf Kingfisher or awed at the luminous glow of fireflies flitting in the Western Ghats, Sridhar found the power of the medium, with a conservationist spirit.

“Every day is a new adventure. I look forward to spending time in the wilderness,” says the preservationist, who cherishes all those moments in verdant landscapes but feels most fortunate to have seen a tigress training her cubs to hunt in the wild. Sridhar is also the winner of Sanctuary Asia’s Young Naturalist Award, the Princess Diana Award, and is a Jackson Wild summit fellow (considered the Emmy of wildlife filmmaking).

[caption id="attachment_13810" align="alignnone" width="1080"] An eagle clicked by Aishwarya Sridhar.[/caption]

The intuitive soul

This Global Indian is now working on a two-part TV series showcasing the survival stories of the seven endangered primates of India and the folk that protect them.

Each project engulfs Sridhar into a verdant world and its creatures. Straddled with a Canon 1Dx mark ii and Canon 5d mark iii, she sees wildlife with an intuitive soul. Queen of Taru, a film she researched, scripted and directed started off as a passion project in pursuit of the wild Bengal Tigress Maya in the forests of Tadoba, and her struggle of survival in a male dominated world. “After six years of tracking her, I finally gave her a celluloid salute. I learnt that animals are capable of strategy just like humans, and they are capable of feeling emotions, When I got to know that Tiger Queen of Taru would be airing on Nat Geo WILD, that felt fulfilling, I was grateful,” says Sridhar.

[caption id="attachment_13805" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Maya A tiger in the wild.[/caption]

Art with a cause

Going into unexplored territory led her to Panje, a wetland she has been visiting since childhood. Witnessing a gradual loss of habitat at Uran, her connect with the local fishing communities helped her in research which she presented in a 14-minute documentary on DD. “The most interesting finding was that the so-called ‘illiterate’ (local tribals) know the value of our ecosystem and its role in our survival more than the educated who so easily give orders for destruction. The film and photo-story helped bring a Bombay High Court Order protecting Uran, thus saving the livelihoods of around 2,500 fishermen. The Panje wetland is now recognised as a satellite wetland, and will soon receive the status of a ‘conservation reserve’,” says the eco warrior, who is also an emerging fellow at International League of Conservation Photographers, working towards policy-level protection for the wetlands in Mumbai.

Sridhar was selected to feature on My Place on Earth – a digital series by BBC Earth in 2021, and is ecstatic about the episode filmed online with some on-field content pre-shot by her. A self-taught photographer, her initiation with the camera began with her father showing her the basics. A course by acclaimed wildlife photographer Sudhir Shivaram added context, though she giggles saying, “every trick I have learnt is from YouTube and by experimenting.”

[caption id="attachment_13808" align="aligncenter" width="442"] Aishwarya Sridhar[/caption]

A multi-hyphenate

Even with filmmaking, Sridhar learnt by watching films on National Geographic, Discovery and Animal Planet. She has since self-taught, edited, presented, and directed an eight-part web series for World Wildlife Fund India. She also did a film for the state forest department and the Deccan Conservation Foundation on the unique and endangered wildlife of the Deccan Plateau. “During the lockdown, I ideated on inculcating the love for Nature in children using origami for WWF-India. I brought Nature indoors with the series titled Fun-Crafts with Aishwarya (digital),” says the shutterbug, whose series helped further with a collaboration with Discovery Channel. It partnered in another unique live show that focused on spotlighting endangered species in India through interesting conversations with India’s top wildlife photographers, filmmakers, and scientists. “I am one of the youngest presenters to have hosted a live show on Discovery,” says the girl, who loves to write poetry in her free time, no doubt inspired by her lush office.

Her upbringing has instilled a deep conservation mindset with focused hard work. “From the age of eight, I have explored India’s wilderness. My parents have always encouraged my curiosity, and raised me with a lot of outdoor exposure which helped immensely,” she says, thrilled that she finally has incredible mentors.

[caption id="attachment_13807" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Wasp A wasp clicked by Aishwarya Sridhar[/caption]

Believing staunchly in the power of self, her transition from photography to filmmaking was game-changing. “I never thought of becoming a wildlife filmmaker initially. As I got older, I knew I would never be happy at a desk. So, I chose mass media for graduation though Mumbai University doesn’t offer any filmmaking specialisations. It was daunting. But I worked on myself every day, and still do so,” says the filmmaker, who now wants to try filming with 360-degree VR.

A path peppered with milestones

Each award is a milestone leading her to the next. For instance, for the “BBC Wildlife Your Shot Competition, the pictures of a bonnet macaque alpha male, flamingos in Navi Mumbai and a baby lion-tailed macaque with its mother were winners. Each picture is special, and documents a moment in nature that is otherwise overlooked”, she explains.

A part of the award-winning podcasts Eyes on Conservation now titled Earth to Humans, by the Wild Lens Collective, connecting with natural history storytellers from around the globe enthuses her. “I hope to start my own natural history media outlet in India in the next decade,” says the 24-year-old, who is hugely inspired by award-winning filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert, whose Big Cats Initiative and films have her enthralled.

[caption id="attachment_13806" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Flamingoes of Mumbai, clicked by Aishwarya Sridhar[/caption]

Even though the pandemic has upended much travel, it is slowly opening up. Back to her wilderness address, Sridhar has some great filmmaking projects in the pipeline. She feels travel and Nature teaches one adaptability and patience. “With every animal/bird you photograph the strategy changes. You should be able to adjust to extreme weather conditions and be physically fit to get the maximum out of your trip. Being a Gen-Z kid, I expected instant gratification, but wildlife photography teaches you persistence. There may be times when you don’t see the animal/bird, and you may not get the photograph you have in mind, but it’s important to never lose your calm in these situations,” she advices.

Mother Nature has been her constant teacher, and she hopes humans learn to protect their habitats. “Whenever Nature gets hurt, she repairs herself and continues on. In the same way, I try to be positive and keep working hard,” she says.

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Reading Time: 7 min

Harsh Agarwal: Forbes 30 Under 30 designer celebrating Indian textiles and craftsmanship

(May 12, 2023) When pop icon Harry Styles landed in Florida for a concert wearing Harago's hand-embroidered carrot farm shorts in 2021, 13,417 km away in Jaipur, Harsh Agarwal, the founder of Harago, woke up to an incremental increase in his follower count on Instagram. Suddenly, the Jaipur-based craftsmanship-focussed brand had arrived at the global fashion circle, and that too with elan. With less than two years into the business, Harago started making heads turn for all the right reasons as Harsh made it his mission to revive the richness of traditional Indian textiles by giving them a modern twist. "With Harago, I wanted to promote craftsmanship and at the same time, make it more contemporary for a global audience," Harsh tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_38437" align="aligncenter" width="519"] Harry Styles in Harago[/caption] In the age of fast fashion, his brand stands out as a beacon of sustainability and craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from his grandmother's heirloom and the diverse cultural heritage of India. His love for Indian textiles and his dedication to ethical fashion has given rise to a unique and ever-evolving menswear line, which made him feature on the Forbes 30 Under 30 2023 list. When serendipity met love for

the diverse cultural heritage of India. His love for Indian textiles and his dedication to ethical fashion has given rise to a unique and ever-evolving menswear line, which made him feature on the Forbes 30 Under 30 2023 list.

When serendipity met love for textiles

Growing up in Bhilwada in Rajasthan, Harsh was surrounded by the vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and skilled craftsmanship of Indian textiles, thanks to his parents. While his dad owned a textile business, he credits his mom for his interest in and appreciation for textiles. "I got it from her. Ever since I was young, I had a passion for textiles, so much so that I would get my clothes tailored, according to my style and design." Though designing clothes came naturally to him, he never considered it to be a full-time career, and that's why he pursued economics and business at the Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts in Pune and later spent a semester at Western University. But it was an internship at the UN headquarters in New York working with the Economic and Social Council and Refugee Commission that turned out to be a game-changer for Harsh, who learnt about sustainable fashion from some people who were working on it. In it, he found an opportunity and soon packed bags to return to India to begin something of his own.

[caption id="attachment_38438" align="aligncenter" width="688"] Harsh Agarwal | Global Indian | Designer Harsh Agarwal, the founder of Harago[/caption]

But not without some research. He didn't want his brand to be just sustainable but was keen to celebrate Indian craftsmen and Indian textiles through it. This put him on the road for the next six months where he travelled the length and breadth of the country to discover various crafts techniques. "For me, it was about connecting with the artisans and understanding them. I didn't just want a working relationship with them, instead wanted to know them personally and understand their craft. This took me from West Bengal to Gujarat to Maheshwar in search of the craft which helped me later to make samples and designs," says the designer who started sourcing textiles from the artisans.

Harago - the beginning

This led to the birth of Harago (a play on his name), a menswear brand that works with vintage textiles, and traditional embroidery techniques like kantha, cross stitch and applique to create beautiful silhouettes. For someone, who has always been appreciative of textiles, following a textile approach for Harago didn't come as a surprise. "While making a new collection, we don't start from sketches. Instead, we travel to artisans' homes and sift through the textiles that they are making. We try to work with what's already there. And that's our starting point of design for our new collection," adds Harsh, who found the inspiration in his grandmother's heirloom.

Harago

A treasured collection of hand-embroidered curtains and old bedsheets sparked his passion for preserving and celebrating Indian textile heritage. "My mother and grandmother loved preserving old textiles. I always knew it existed but when I revisited it during the lockdown, I saw it from a different eye. This inspired me to come up with a one-off vintage textile collection by repurposing them."

The brand was introduced to the world on Instagram, as Harsh doesn't believe in the mass-production model and releases new products in drops - a limited-release of collection. Not keen to follow the traditional cycle of fashion, he wanted to establish the brand value by following the concept of drops. "It helps us in planning and there is no wastage. Plus, it helps us release something new quickly in the market." However, he is quick to add that "fashion cannot be 100 percent sustainable." That's the reason he doesn't promote Harago as a sustainable brand, but instead as a craftsmanship-focussed brand.

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Marrying traditional with modern

His love for Indian textiles is evident in the carefully curated collections he releases. The brand's signature pieces include relaxed kurtas, lightweight jackets, and tailored trousers, all made from exquisite hand-woven fabrics. His designs are influenced by his travels across India, as he constantly seeks out new textiles and techniques to incorporate into his creations.

Launched in 2019, Harago has quickly gained recognition for its innovative fusion of traditional Indian fabrics and contemporary menswear silhouettes. The brand's use of natural dyes, hand embroidery, handloom fabrics, and sustainable practices sets it apart from other fashion labels. This is what exactly attracted global customers to Harago in no time. "Initially, we got more attention abroad than in India, and it became our client and base," he avers as Harago has collaborated with New York-based bespoke shirt brand Tony Shirtmaker and New Jersey-based concept store, & Son, and sells extensively in Italy, France, Singapore, Australia and the US. More so, international celebrities like pop icon Harry Styles, Irish singer songwriter Niall Horan, musician George Crosby and the fashion director of H by Halston, Cameron Silver swear by Harsh's designs.

Harago

Without any formal training, Harsh still managed to put Harago on the global map, and learning on the ground and getting his own hands dirty have been his biggest learnings in the process. "Being an outsider in the fashion industry, I brought in a different perspective," he says, adding, "When you come from a fashion school, you come with a preconceived concept of how things work. But that didn't exist for me, and that's what helped the brand grow so quickly. For me, everything came from gut and intuition."

But being a self-taught designer and an entrepreneur was equally challenging for Harsh as the degrees of challenges in the day-to-day operations always kept him on his toes. "It's not easy building a brand, but I was able to overcome this because of the unconditional support from my family." He started with just one tailor and a sewing machine in his home, and now the team has expanded to 20 people. "Things have moved drastically for us in the last three years, also because we had no competition. But now we do see people entering the space and doing something similar to us." Ask him how he keeps competition at bay, and pat comes the reply, "Just focus on what you are building."

Harago

The artisans are his hero/heroines

This keeps him motivated and the "curiosity keeps the fire alive" in him enough to work on new artisan discoveries during travels and find the right people that help diversify. "We have now moved to the women's work collection and looking at artistic crafts-based bags. I am pushing the boundaries and want to expand and catch attention."

One of Harago's core values is its commitment to sustainability. Harsh collaborates with local artisans and craftspeople to source hand-woven fabrics, ensuring fair wages and supporting traditional craftsmanship. The designer is happy that he has been able to bring artisans together and promote their craft, bring work to them, and continue to be valued for what their craft has been. Elaborating on the impact that Harago has had on the lives of the artisans, Harsh shares that many of the artisans from Kutch were earlier either running their grocery shops or turned to farming or labourers. "They later switched to working on the craft as this has started paying them more and brings a value back to their craft."

Harago

Harsh, who loves to spend time with his family and go on vacations to unwind, has carved a niche for himself in the world of fashion by marrying the past with the present. In just three years, Harago has attained success, and Harsh plans to expand the business by working on more stocks. The Jaipur-based brand, which has no store as of now, wants to open Harago store shortly. "I want to present our Universe to the world," he signs off.

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Reading Time: 6 min

Aamandbasil: Celebrating love, food, and cultural blends on Instagram

(July 27, 2023) What do Italians and Indians have in common? Quite a lot, going by Suprateek Banerjee (aka Mango) and his wife, Daniela Barone (basil), the content-creator couple behind @aamandbasil on Instagram. For starters, they "both wake up in the morning thinking about what they're going to eat," as Daniela puts it. Close family ties are another similarity - Suprateek was thrilled to learn that Daniela's grandmother lives at the family home in Naples - "I was like, wow, this is just what we do. Our grandparents live with us in India as well, and we love them like crazy." In the early days of their relationship, Daniela checked out Suprateek on Facebook and was bowled over by the fact that he had his parents on his cover photo. Their relationship has been a mutual discovery of each other's cultures, and the heartwarming realisation that Indians and Italians have a lot in common. Daniela and Suprateek join me on a video call from Germany, where they now live. Our conversation goes well past the intended time – the couple are even more fun in real life than they are on Instagram. They refer to their Insta personas as “characters.”

even more fun in real life than they are on Instagram. They refer to their Insta personas as “characters.” Why, I ask. “Because we’re different in real life. I would never annoy Daniela that way,” says Suprateek. “And she’s definitely not such an angry person!” Their little skits are full of good-natured squabbles, celebrating their cultural differences with humour and understanding. The page is less than six months old but has already gained over 60k followers (and counting).

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Mind your language!

So how does a "small-town guy from Benaras," as Suprateek describes himself, meet and fall in love with a young woman from rural Naples? For Suprateek, the story begins in Benaras, when he decided to study abroad. Meanwhile, in Italy, Daniela was thrilled to learn that her PhD programme offered her a stint in Heidelberg. And so, the couple landed up in Germany, around the same time, each to study. However, their paths didn't cross.

As he grew fluent in German, Suprateek wanted to test his flair for languages. He signed up for Italian lessons on Duo Lingo. Daniela, on the other hand, returned to Naples after completing her PhD, and was trying to find work. She was simply too overqualified to continue living the rustic life of rural Italians and leaving home seemed the only option. That meant learning English. They both knew that the best way to learn a language is having someone to talk to. That's how both of them ended up on Tandem, in search of friends to speak to in Italian and English.

"It's hard to find a partner, even on Tandem," says Daniela. "I would chat with different people every day, they would come and go very fast. I needed someone to stay because I had an exam to write." And one day, Suprateek arrived. Daniela expected him to say hello and disappear. They began writing to each other and realised that they had a connection.

Suprateek felt the same way too. "I saw her profile and knew that she is a very simple person. As soon as we started speaking, I told her I wanted to meet her. She said no."

Love, actually

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After a while of waiting, Daniela agreed to let Suprateek visit her in Naples. Daniela spent a sleepless night before their first meeting, pondering the traditional Italian hug-and-kiss custom. The dilemma showed plainly on her face as Suprateek walked out of the airport. "She was so nervous, chewing on her nails," he smiles. When she saw him, however, her worries fell away - "she came straight up to me and hugged me," Suprateek recalls. Daniela showed him around Naples and by the end of that trip, their feelings were clear.

They knew they wanted to be together, but life still had some challenges in store. Daniela wanted to move to Germany to be with Suprateek but was still looking for work. "I was feeling completely useless at home,” she says. Daniela's frustration grew into self-doubt, despite being a top STEM student with a PhD. Suprateek stood by her, helping her write her CV and drafting the perfect cover letter.

Finally, an opportunity came her way, but with a catch. The job was in Ireland. Daniela wasn't sure but Suprateek urged her to go. So she went, and the couple made plans to meet every weekend. In 2020, Daniela finally found a job in Frankfurt, where Suprateek was living. After several years trying to make it work, the couple were finally in the same city. As they braved the pandemic together, they decided to marry. The couple wanted a small wedding anyway, and went to Denmark to tie the knot.

Aam and Basil

"Happiness is never grand," remarked the writer Aldous Huxley. That was the case with Daniela and Suprateek, who fell into the routine of their daily lives, going to work, coming back home and watching something on TV. "But we wanted to do something creative," says Suprateek. "We were in a unique situation where we come from two different cultures and life experiences, so we thought about sharing our story with people to make them smile."

In February 2023, they began @aamandbasil and have already gained some 60,000 followers (and growing). Daniela had a natural flair for acting, and the two threw themselves into the process, creating characters that are just slightly larger than life. They share the work, taking it in turns to write, act and edit, depending on who came up with the idea. "We share everything. Sometimes she cooks and I edit, at other times, she edits and I cook," Suprateek smiles.

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The couple's message is simple. "There are many people don't know about my culture, or understand how similar we are. There are differences too but those can be explained with humour," says Daniela. "We want to show everyone that we are citizens of the world. We are not all that different, really, two cultures can blend and you can have fun during the learning process."

Daniela even felt instantly at home in India the first time she visited. "And I took her to Benaras!" Suprateek adds. "There is something very deep about Indians. You can find some roads that are full of chaos - there's a guy dragging a mattress, a woman trying to get her kids across the busy road, the horns are blaring. But even then, they are so chilled out," says Daniela. The feeling of "chill in chaos defines Benaras," Suprateek laughs. "Our food culture is also similar," Daniela explains. "At 9 am, my grandmom knocks on the door to ask, 'what shall we eat for lunch'?"

The ties that bind

It's the closeness of family bonds that holds them together most. "In Germany, people are very practical. Putting aged parents in an old people's home is a no brainer here," says the Global Indian. Neither he nor Daniela would ever consider that - "My grandma is 92 and she lives with us at home (in Naples)," says Daniela. Suprateek, who lost both sets of grandparents, makes the most of his time with Daniela's grandmothers. "Her grandmother speaks Napolitana, I can't even understand what she says but I can sit there and listen to her anyway."

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Our conversation has run well over time and they sign off with a word of encouragement for other couples like themselves. "Give the other person a chance, enjoy the differences," they say. "One thing is for sure, your life will never be boring!"

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Nishant Malhotra: Reviving GI-tagged textile heritage and celebrating artisans with WeaverStory

(August 13, 2024) “As children of the pre-digital era, we have all grown up in homes and environments that have been driven by tradition. From food to craft and clothing, everything had a story and was a hand-worked skill passed through generations, be it the chutneys that were made at home or the sweaters that were knit. So there always was an inclination towards culture and the traditions of the past,” Nishant Malhotra reminisces as he connects with Global Indian. Although he was always fascinated by India’s luxurious heritage and traditions, he had never imagined that he would one day work with it. After spending several years in the banking and finance sectors, Nishant Malhotra founded WeaverStory nine years ago, finding both purpose and an avenue for social impact. [caption id="attachment_53617" align="aligncenter" width="482"] Nishant Malhotra at WeaverStory curated runway show at BNI4M2024 event[/caption] Led by artisans The craft-led textile brand has come a long way. Launched with just five sarees on a Facebook page, WeaverStory has grown into a 30-member team working with over 400 weavers from 10 different weaving clusters. “This transformation has significantly improved the lives of weavers and their families and enhanced the experiences of our customers

="aligncenter" width="482"] Indian Art and Culture | Nishant Malhotra | Global Indian Nishant Malhotra at WeaverStory curated runway show at BNI4M2024 event[/caption]

Led by artisans

The craft-led textile brand has come a long way. Launched with just five sarees on a Facebook page, WeaverStory has grown into a 30-member team working with over 400 weavers from 10 different weaving clusters. “This transformation has significantly improved the lives of weavers and their families and enhanced the experiences of our customers spread across more than 20 countries," tells the entrepreneur.

Whether it is the famed yarns of Banaras, the vibrant hues of Gujarat, the ethereal threads of Chanderi, intricate works of Kashmir, poetic weaves of Bengal, or resplendent silks of Kanchipuram - WeaverStory has been championing authentic handmade products like luxurious sarees and fabric, bespoke occasion wear, bridal couture and accessories blending tradition with modernity.

GI certified handloom

The textile brand’s products are silk mark and craft mark-certified with GI tags. It has been participating in the Government of India’s ODOP (One District One Product) initiative which aims to promote indigenous and specialised goods and crafts distinct to various districts across the country. “WeaverStory sources 350 products from over 19 Geographical Indications (GIs), thus ensuring genuine handloom apparel from the craftspeople who bring them to life.”

The hand weaved textiles are delivered through retail stores in Delhi and Hyderabad and the brand’s website. It also retails online through domestic and international marketplaces such as Pernia’s Pop Up Shop, Aza, Aashni + Co., Nykaa Fashion and Etsy.

[caption id="attachment_53634" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Indian Art and Culture | Nishant Malhotra | Global Indian One of the WeaverStory stores[/caption]

The journey of transition

As a banking and financial services professional, Nishant often travelled to rural areas and smaller cities in India, working on financial inclusion projects. These experiences exposed him to not only the challenges faced by the local population but also to the complexities of implementing programs to benefit them.

“I realised that even small steps could have a significant impact on their lives and it was this thought that drove me to start WeaverStory after a trip to Banaras that proved pivotal in the transition,” tells the Delhi based entrepreneur.

Starting small

In Banaras, Nishant met a weaver who had been forced to quit his craft due to low income and the pressure of supporting his family. Instead of engaging in his creative work, the weaver was folding sarees at a retail shop. This deeply moved Nishant. Upon his return to Delhi, he began conversing with others to understand the market need for Indian handlooms – the artistic heritage of India.

“I discovered that there was a demand for handloom products, but people were unaware of authentic sources,'” he says. This realisation led him to start a small initiative by creating a Facebook page, where he showcased five well-crafted saris by a weaver of Banaras to help people appreciate the value of craftsmanship of the weaving community.

Within months, his initiative started gaining recognition, motivating Nishant to leave his job and pursue social entrepreneurship. He had found the purpose of creating better opportunities for the artistic weavers of India and making a difference in their lives.

[caption id="attachment_53625" align="aligncenter" width="687"] Indian Art and Culture | Nishant Malhotra | Global Indian WeaverStory team[/caption]

“It started as a mere passion project with no intention of launching a full-fledged brand. However, that small step transformed everything, leading us to where we are today,” says Nishant who had over 15 years of corporate experience with Fortune 500 companies and biggest conglomerates like the TATAs and Reliance group at the time of stepping into social entrepreneurship. “Through WeaverStory my attempt has been to bridge the gap between true fans of original Indian handlooms and those with a century-long lineage in this artistic heritage. We work towards preserving our heritage and enabling weavers to become financially successful,” he says.

Rising above challenges and earning trust

In the initial days of his venture gaining the trust of the weavers was a challenge. “Coming from a banking background with no experience in textiles, I wasn’t attempting to become a designer. My goal was to create an ecosystem around handlooms. However, understanding the craftsmanship, the uniqueness of handwoven fabric, and effectively communicating with the weavers required substantial knowledge,” Nishant mentions.

When he approached weavers, they were sceptical. “They doubted my understanding of their craft and feared their products would be rejected after completion.” An online brand, was an unconventional idea in 2015, especially for the rural weavers for whom trade meant an offline activity.

To alleviate their fears Nishant started work on the model of buying products outright from the weavers addressing their concerns. “By ensuring immediate and fair compensation, we gradually earned their trust and overcame their initial resistance,” he says.

[caption id="attachment_53624" align="aligncenter" width="523"] Indian Art and Culture | Nishant Malhotra | Global Indian A Madhubani artist associated with WeaverStory[/caption]

Assuring quality

Earning the trust of the weavers was just one side of the story. Nishant highlights that when purchasing a premium product like a handwoven saree, customers seek assurance about their investment. Therefore, early in their journey, the WeaverStory team began conducting video calls with customers to showcase the products in detail, thereby earning their trust as well.

“At WeaverStory, our values of purity, pride, and intention have always been at the core of everything we do. We have consistently strived to present our customers with a curated collection of authentic weaves in pure fabrics that best represent India’s textile heritage and the skills of our weavers,” the entrepreneur mentions.

Weaving stories

To bring the stories of the rural weavers to the forefront and change the narrative in their favour Nishant Malhotra and his team does not just look at them as mere suppliers of products that they are marketing but provide the weaving community a sense of close collaboration. “This outlook is one of the major factors contributing to our growth story,” says Nishant.

“Our product curation and storytelling are deeply influenced by the intentions and narratives of the weavers, and we make it a point not to interfere with their stories. The authentic stories behind each weave is what attracts our customers; and they want to buy, own, and cherish these unique pieces of art.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_QW-F7l3Yk

WeaverStory Foundation

Recently, the entrepreneur has started the WeaverStory Foundation, which will undertake projects aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods and skill development for weavers, with a special focus on women artisans. “We are actively seeking and collaborating with like-minded partners to further this mission,” Nishant points out.

Awards galore

The textile brand has instituted several reward and recognition programs, such as Kala Nishtha, Kala Samridhi and Craftales to encourage lesser-known and new weavers to look at their skills with more optimism and be part of the WeaverStory network.

“These initiatives help create visibility for them, especially among their peers and within their communities, where weaving is often seen as a low-paying job.”

In the WeaverStory model, the products are purchased outright from the weavers. “WeaverStory ensures that weavers are paid fair market prices that account for the scale and input while keeping the product competitive. This approach rewards the weavers for their skill, time, and labour,” Nishant says.

[caption id="attachment_53627" align="aligncenter" width="723"] Indian Art and Culture | Nishant Malhotra | Global Indian Naseem Bano (extreme right) is one of the weavers that WeaverStory works with to upskill village women artisans[/caption]

New Initiative - Revival collection of Venkatagiri sarees

On the occasion of National Handloom Day which falls on 7th August and coincides with WeaverStory’s foundation day, the textile brand launched a revival collection of Venkatagiri Sarees.

“Venkatagiri was once known for its fine-count cotton sarees with gold khaadi borders woven on a traditional pit loom. It held a place of pride in Andhra’s handloom traditions. However, with the advent of the power loom, the decline in the value of cotton, and a shift in market demand that leaned towards Banarasi, Kanchipuram and Paithani styles, the weavers of Venkatgiri lost touch with their traditional design language and eventually met with flagging patronage and diminished popularity,” informs Nishant.

For the past several months, WeaverStory has been working with Tata Trusts’ Antaran to revive the lost designs of the Venkatagiri cluster. The textile brand has launched a collection of sarees with four archival designs that have not been woven in over 70 years. “The aim is to rekindle significant market interest in this historic craft and give saree connoisseurs across the world a piece of heritage to own,” says the entrepreneur who works with the vision of promoting the exquisite craft of handweaving, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive.

[caption id="attachment_53637" align="aligncenter" width="722"] Indian Art and Culture | Nishant Malhotra | Global Indian Nishant Malhotra with Mridula and Parvez Alam from Tata Trusts during the unveiling of Venkatagiri Revival Project[/caption]

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Abhishek Dubey: Creating India’s international Taekwondo stars while navigating life in Korea

(October 8, 2024) A seasoned coach, athlete, sports professional, and researcher Abhishek Dubey has spent over 18 years working in and out of Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo, creating his own mark in the world of the martial arts. Korea’s deep-rooted connection to Taekwondo, with its rich history and tradition in the sport, has made his time there even more impactful. For the past 24 years, Abhishek has also been running Mumbai-based Indo-Korean Taekwondo Academy which has produced international athletes who have brought laurels for India. Abhishek’s work bridges the cultural and martial arts heritage of Korea with the growing Taekwondo scene in India, solidifying his standing in both the nations. Recently, when one of his athletes, Rupa Bayor, achieved a world ranking of 9 and an Asian ranking of 2, it was a moment of great joy for Abhishek. “She is the first Indian to come in Top 10 World Rankings," the coach shares with Global Indian with pride. "Seeing how sports can act as a means of intervention, especially for athletes from underprivileged backgrounds, is the most satisfying part of this journey,” he reflects. “It’s not just about winning medals—it’s about how sports can change lives.” [caption id="attachment_57520"

athletes from underprivileged backgrounds, is the most satisfying part of this journey,” he reflects. “It’s not just about winning medals—it’s about how sports can change lives.”

[caption id="attachment_57520" align="aligncenter" width="532"] Indian sports coach | Abhishek Dubey | Global Indian Abhishek Dubey[/caption]

Falling in love with Taekwondo

Growing up in the suburbs of Chembur, Mumbai, the celebrated Taekwondo coach spent his childhood immersing himself in the offerings of the sports club at RCF Colony. In 1991, when he was 11, a newly established Taekwondo club at the sports facility caught his eye with its crisp uniforms and disciplined training sessions. What began as a mere curiosity quickly evolved into a lifelong passion. Under the guidance of Master Sunil Saxena and Late Rajesh Menon, Abhishek embarked on a journey in Taekwondo, eventually representing India at international events and winning numerous medals.

Abhishek’s expertise and deep passion for the martial art not only shaped his own life but also had a great impact on the athletes he coached, many of whom have gained international recognition and rankings in Taekwondo. His dedication to the sport also led to a lasting connection with South Korea, where he continues to work professionally in the field of Taekwondo. He is also pursuing a PhD at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, focusing on sports as development tool in empowering women.

From athlete to coach

As an athlete, Abhishek Dubey’s achievements speak volumes. From participating in the SAI Open Nationals in 2001, narrowly missing a medal at the Korea Open in 2012, to winning gold and the Best Poomsae Athlete Award at the 2013 Korean Ambassador’s Cup, his career is filled with moments of personal triumph. Yet, he humbly acknowledges that his most significant accomplishments lie not in his individual accolades but in his role as a coach.

[caption id="attachment_57523" align="aligncenter" width="748"] Indian sports coach | Abhishek Dubey | Global Indian Coach Abhishek during the training for the 8th Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Vietnam[/caption]

He has nurtured medalist for India at the 2024 Asian Taekwondo Championships, Australian Open, Oceania Open, WT President Cup Oceania, WT President Cup Europe, Croatia Open, XIII South Asian Games, VI Commonwealth Taekwondo C'ships Scotland, 2015 Korea Open, and the 2010 Yeongcheon Open.

The Indo-Korean Taekwondo Academy in Mumbai, which he co-founded with his childhood friend Chakrapani Koirala at the age of 20, just before graduating from university, embodies his commitment to the martial art. “What began as a part-time club has blossomed over the last 24 years into a training ground for elite athletes. Above all, it is a place for good Taekwondo practitioners with rich human values,” he says.

Watching his athletes gain international success

His greatest fulfilment as a coach comes from watching his athletes achieve international success. Some of his proudest moments include Ishee Pardeshi’s victory at the Yeongcheon Open in 2010, her triumph at the 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships, and her strong performances at the Croatia Open and the Asian Championships.

“The journey has been fulfilling every day," he reflects. Recently, seeing one of his athletes, Rupa Bayor, win India’s first Asian medal in Taekwondo Poomsae has been especially satisfying for him. “Considering the challenges she faced, coming from a background where opportunities are scarce, her success is even more meaningful. When she first arrived in Mumbai on our scholarship program, she wasn’t ranked in the top 500 WT World rankings, and today she’s ranked 9th in the world and 2nd in Asia, becoming the first Indian to come in Top 10 World Rankings. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how sports can serve as a means of intervention, helping to shape a young athlete’s career and life,” he mentions.

[caption id="attachment_57521" align="aligncenter" width="657"] Indian sports coach | Abhishek Dubey | Global Indian Coach Abhishek Dubey with Athlete Rupa Bayor[/caption]

Special connection with Korea

Abhishek has been traveling to Korea since 2007 for international Taekwondo championships and sports education, continuing until 2015.

Then in 2015, he received a full scholarship from the Sports and Culture Ministry of the Republic of Korea to pursue a Master's in Global Sports Management, which opened new doors in sports research and management. “Since then, I’ve been involved in research work on sports for development. So yes, it’s been 18 years of going back and forth between Korea, and now I’ve been pursuing my Ph.D. since 2020," he says.

Abhishek is writing his thesis on the impact of sports development programs in empowering women in India. “It’s been overwhelming and time-consuming. At times, my professional commitments have derailed my Ph.D., but seeing young athletes grow in the sport brings me immense joy,” says the coach who frequently returns to India to nurture elite athletes who represent the country.

It’s exhausting at times - managing the academy and athlete development in India, and my research and other professional engagements in Korea - but I continue my PhD without neglecting my duties towards Taekwondo because I believe that while there are plenty of PhD scholars in India, there is yet to be a world champion in our sport. That’s my quest: to create one in the near future.

Abhishek remarks

Celebrating Taekwondo and its Korean heritage

Taekwondo is more than just a sport in Korea; it is a national treasure. It promotes perseverance, respect, humility, and integrity in practitioners who are taught to uphold these values in their daily lives. The sport is often integrated into school curricula, emphasising its importance in the formation of character and discipline by training the body and mind of the youngsters.

[caption id="attachment_57522" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Indian sports coach | Taekwondo Star | Global Indian Abhishek Dubey at the International Referee Seminar conducted by the World Taekwondo Federation where he became the first Indian Taekwondo Referee to win the coveted Best Participant Award for Kyoroogi in South Korea[/caption]

Taekwondo is one of the oldest martial arts of the world, originating in Korea over 2,000 years ago. The name reflects its essence: Tae (foot), Kwon (hand), Do (art). Its roots can be traced back to ancient Korean martial arts, including Taekkyeon and Hwa Rang Do, practiced by warriors and royal families. Taekwondo began to take shape as a unified martial art form under the influence of various masters who sought to promote Korean culture and heritage after the Korean war (1950-53). In 1955, the term ‘Taekwondo’ was officially adopted, and the sport quickly gained popularity both in Korea and internationally.

Translating to ‘the way of the foot and fist,’ Taekwondo has become a global phenomenon, and Abhishek is proud to play his part in it. “It’s been a beautiful experience. Will always be indebted to the love, knowledge, friendships and bonds that have been built through the sport of Taekwondo in Korea,” he remarks.

Life in Korea

Abhishek has worked as a researcher with the Seoul Olympic Museum, served as a Communication Manager for the Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games, and worked as a Research Assistant at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, describing it as “an experience of a lifetime.” He shares, “I cherish every opportunity that my 18 years of travel in and out of Korea have brought to my life, and I love engaging with the sport and culture here.”

[caption id="attachment_57526" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Indian sports coach | Taekwondo star with Kukkiwon President Grandmaster Man Soon Jung in 2014 | Global Indian Abhishek Dubey with Kukkiwon President Grandmaster Man Soon Jung in 2014[/caption]

The coach and researcher can communicate in Korean, having studied the language during his university days in Korea. “I am still trying to learn more,” he remarks.

An ambassador of India in Korea

The Indian community in Korea is diverse, consisting of professionals, students, and skilled workers who contribute significantly to various sectors, including technology, education, hospitality, and business. “Of late, the India diaspora is growing especially with students and people in the IT industry,” remarks Abhishek.

Many Indian students are attracted to Korea's advanced educational institutions and its emphasis on research and innovation. Scholarships and programs aimed at international students have further encouraged this trend, with Abhishek serving as a prime example.

As a professional, scholar, and coach in the world of Taekwondo, a national heritage of Korea, Abhishek Dubey is contributing to strengthening Indo-Korean ties in his own way.

[caption id="attachment_57525" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Indian sports coach | Indian coach | Global Indian Abhishek Dubey[/caption]

Plans for future - giving back and elevating India’s position

Abhishek aims to apply his expertise in both sports management and the martial art form to support the growth of India's Taekwondo community in different capacities and in several meaningful ways.

“I would love to establish an Elite Athlete Taekwondo Training Program/Center for youth from marginalised communities in India and develop a concrete plan to create India’s first World Champion in the Olympics,” he signs off with a determination to keep empowering the next generation of athletes and elevate India's presence in the global Taekwondo rankings.

Follow Abhishek Dubey on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins