Purpose with Prosperity

The twin concept of Kadam and Kadam Haat presents a powerful model where artisan empowerment, sustainable design, and market innovation converge to establish that purpose-driven enterprise can also be profitable

- ANIL SWARUP

The occasion was an event organised by the Kolkata City Chapter of Nexus of Good wherein presentations were made by three organisations to road-show wonderful work being done by them in this part of the country. What one witnessed was truly remarkable. One of the presentations was made by Kadam.

In a world often dominated by profit-driven motives, the story of Kadam and Kadam Haat stands as a powerful testament to the "Nexus of Good"—a philosophy that champions the synergy between social impact and sustainable business practices. This unique model, spearheaded by a not-for-profit organisation and its for-profit counterpart, showcases how purpose and prosperity cannot only coexist but also amplify each other, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Kadam India, an NGO founded in 2006, was born out of a profound need to uplift the lives of artisans, particularly those engaged in basketry. The founders recognised a stark reality: basketry artisans were among the lowest-earning in India's arts and crafts sector. Their mission was clear: to upskill these artisans and eradicate poverty within their communities. Kadam's approach is holistic and meticulously structured. The NGO focuses on value chain development for new artisan clusters, beginning with community mapping and skill assessment. They provide technical product training, introduce green technology solutions, and facilitate the opening and training of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). By conducting thorough market research, Kadam ensures that the products created are demand-driven, empowering artisans to create goods that have a genuine market. This model has already impacted over 10,000 artisans, with 1,100 of them now securing regular monthly work, leading to an impressive 40 per cent increase in their income.