THREADS OF CHANGE

In an exclusive interview, Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director of Jaipur Rugs, shares the story behind the brand, his journey and more

- KARTIKEYA SHANKAR

for ages, the skilled artisans of India have bent diligently over their looms, weaving intricate carpets that grace floors worldwide. Yet, amidst their craftsmanship lay tales of hardship.

Bound by debt and trapped in exploitative systems, these weavers toiled tirelessly, their labour repaid with meagre sums that barely sufficed for life's necessities. This cycle of exploitation went on for long, casting a shadow over their dignity and perpetuating a legacy of struggle.

However, in the late 1970s, Nand Kishore Chaudhary emerged as a beacon of change. Witnessing the plight of these underpaid weavers, many belonging to marginalised communities, he founded "Jaipur Rugs," a social enterprise aimed at their upliftment. Beginning with nine artisans and two looms in his hometown of Churu, Rajasthan, Chaudhary's vision has blossomed. Today, Jaipur Rugs empowers over 40,000 home-based artisans across 600 Indian villages, with women comprising a significant majority at 80 per cent. Through this initiative, each woman involved in carpet weaving earns a respectable monthly income ranging from INR 10,000-20,000, reflective of her skill, experience, and the intricacy of her creations. In this interview, Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director of Jaipur Rugs, shares insights into this transformative journey.

Can you share the inspiration behind your journey into textiles and sustainable development?