Dr. Shuchi Chauhan
Every success story begins with a dream, fueled by relentless hard work and unwavering determination. The journey of Kamli Tribes is no exception. Established with the mission to enhance the skills of tribal women around Udaipur and to enable them to achieve financial independence, Kamli Tribes has become a distinguished name in the handicrafts industry.
Founded under the Namrata Primary Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society and inspired by the Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad, this initiative is not only reviving Indian handicrafts but also transforming the lives of tribal women both within the country and beyond.
Over the past seven years, Kamli Tribes has built a strong network of over 260 women who have honed their craftsmanship and become pillars of financial support for their families.
Radhika Laddha, the president of the committee, recalls how her team once ventured into forested areas, deeply moved by the dire economic conditions of the tribal communities. The pressing question was: how could they make a difference? The answer came in the form of self-reliance and skill development camps, where women received training in block printing, sewing, embroidery, origami, and paper mache craftsmanship. Initially, participation was low due to hesitation, but gradually, more women joined. Once trained, the next challenge was finding a market for their handmade products.
Determined to support these women, Radhika and her team took the initiative to organise them into structured groups, each led by a designated leader. These leaders collect pre-cut jute and wooden materials, embroidery designs, and thread from the Udaipur workshop, distribute them among their group members, and return the finished products. The center ensures timely wage payments, along with an 8% bonus for their efforts.
Sarla Mundhra, the committee’s product designer, shares emotional anecdotes about the impact of Kamli Tribes. She recalls how Kamla paid her entire STC course fees through her embroidery earnings and became a schoolteacher. Indra, another beneficiary, managed to support her family after her father’s untimely demise, solely through her craft income. Stories of resilience from women like Sharmila, Ramila, and Richa highlight how Kamli Tribes has played a pivotal role in empowering them and enriching their lives.
The initiative is driven by a dedicated team, including Kusum, Saroj, Vimala, Kanti, Shyamala, and Venu, who ensure the production of high-quality, eco-friendly products. Kamli Tribes specializes in handicrafts made from sustainable materials like jute, cotton, and wood. Their range of items includes board games, bags, jewelry, keychains, coasters, table runners, cushion covers, and wall hangings. Each piece reflects the artisans’ skill, dedication, and passion for craftsmanship.
Kamli Tribes holds a prestigious Craftmark certification, a national recognition for authentic Indian handmade products crafted responsibly and ethically. This certification is awarded by AIACA, a trademark-registered organization. The brand’s products are available at various sales fairs, ‘TRIFED’ outlets at airports and tourist centers, I-Tokri, and its dedicated sales center in Udaipur.
Radhika Laddha emphasises that the All India Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, established in 1952, has long been committed to the welfare of tribal communities. Kamli Tribes is one of its remarkable initiatives, embodying the motto: “Hands working and heads held high with self-respect.” By fostering dignity and self-sufficiency, Kamli Tribes continues to empower tribal women, inspiring them to build a better future for themselves and their families.