About Us
KADAM is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering rural communities by enhancing traditional handicraft skills and creating sustainable livelihoods. Operating across six states, KADAM has positively impacted over 10,000 artisans in its 18-year journey. Focusing on natural fibers, the organization preserves ancient craftsmanship while offering a sustainable alternative to rural migration. Through KADAM HAAT, artisans are connected to markets, ensuring a steady income and the continued growth of their handcrafted products for homes, kitchens, and lifestyle needs.
Our Strategy
Demonstrate
KADAM has unique expertise to deliver on turn key projects developing or strengthening the value chain for new or existing products. KADAM will continue to “demonstrate” proof points that serve as a model of excellence for the sector.
Multiply
Leveraging its expertise, KADAM will look to train and develop and create a collective for the sector to replicate its methodology and impact.
Innovate
KADAM has created multiple innovative, path breaking solutions for projects. The organisation will now also provide it as a service to other organisations to strengthen the solutions in the sector.
A Unique Self-Sustaining Model
A Non-Profit registered in 2006
Empowerment of artisans for the creation of demand driven products
A Brand registered in 2009
A marketplace for products to reach conscious consumers
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
We unleash the power of communities and earth’s materials to build an equitable, sustainable, happy world.
Our Mission
We build resilient ecosystems at scale through:
- The use of earth materials
- Innovation & sustainable practice
- The generation of livelihoods
- The creation of everyday products that encourage conscious consumption.
Our Impact
Artisans Impacted
%
Increase in income
%
Access to larger markets
Month orders in a year
Our Projects
HCL Foundation
With support from the HCL Foundation, we have revitalized the traditional crafts of Moonj and Kaansh in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative has trained 397 artisans, empowering them with advanced skills and knowledge to enhance their craftsmanship. The project aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for these artisans by integrating modern techniques with traditional artistry.
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Titan
Our partnership with Titan has brought new life to traditional crafts in Bihar and West Bengal. We have trained 353 artisans across five crafts—Sikki, Sikki Mache, Madhubani painting, Bamboo, and Sholapith. The project focuses on improving artisanal skills, ensuring the preservation of these ancient crafts while enabling artisans to access larger markets and diversify their income streams.
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Govt of J&K and World Bank
In collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the World Bank, we trained 953 artisans in the traditional art of willow wicker handicrafts. This project not only helps preserve a centuries-old craft but also aims to create sustainable economic opportunities for artisans in Kashmir, enabling them to improve their production quality and expand their market presence.
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UNESCO
Supported by UNESCO, we trained 1,523 artisans in West Bengal, focusing on five crafts—Sabai, Sitalpati, Madurkati, Bamboo, and Sholapith. This large-scale training project emphasizes skill development, product diversification, and market access, ensuring the survival and growth of these traditional crafts in the region.
Read MoreOur Journey
2006-07
Skill development of Sabai Grass & Palm Leaf artisans starting with 25 ladies in Baliapal, Odisha with RAWHAA, an NGO
2008-09
- Bamboo development in Kolaghat, West Bengal
- Stone Craft artisan development in Raghurajpur, Odisha
2009-10
- Sabai Artisans near Kharagpur, West Bengal Development
- Co-Founder nominated by the Indian Merchant Chamber, Mumbai for the 'Jamnalal Bajaj Rural Entrepreneurship' Award
2010-11
Craft Ashram: Hasta Shilpi Gurukul Project with INITIATIVE and Sram Vidyapith, West Bengal
2011-12
Craft Ashram Field Survey and documented assisted by AIACA
2012-13
Hillary Clinton's Visit To India Co-Founder was Interviewed By Times Now
2013-14
- Skill training and machinery development at Craft Ashram
- Natural Dyes and Lacquer experiment on Natural Fibres
- Co-Founder nominated for "TIMES of India Amazing Indian' Award
2015-16
Sabai, Bamboo Product Development Workshop
2016-17
Bamboo project in Bankura
2017-18
- HCL Foundation Project with 5 crafts in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh
- Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd.(HMVL) Mathura Project, Uttar Pradesh
2018-19
- HDFC Parivartan CSR project in Sultanpur and Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh
- HMVL and HCLF (continued)
2019-20
- Cyclone Phani Relief for artisans from village of Raghurajpur, Odisha
- Ongoing Project with HCLF, HMVL, HDFC
- Madhurkati Craft Project with Dalmia Cement CSR
- Co-Founder nominated for 'Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2020' Award by AMAZON
2020-21
- Amphan Cyclone Relief Project for Affected Beneficiaries
- Covid 19 Relief & Support Project
- Jhelum & Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) with Government of Jammu & Kashmir and THE WORLD BANK in willow-wicker craft
- Branding, Marketing and Communication Project supported by SVP India
2021-22
- HCL Foundation Project on Moonj Grass
- Tata Realty and Infrastructure Ltd. CSR project with Bamboo in Malda, West Bengal
- Baluchari, Kansa and Dokra Project with District Administration of Bankura, Government of West Bengal
- Co-Founder nominated for "Women Transforming India' Award by NITI-AAYOG
- Golden Grass Project at Kendrapara with State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC), Government of Odisha
- Rural Craft and Cultural Hubs (Phase-II) Project in collaboration with UNESCO and MSME&T, Government of West Bengal
- HCL and Tata Realty and Infrastructure Ltd. Projects (continued)
- TITAN Project for FOUR crafts in Bihar and West Bengal
- HCL Foundation, JTFRP and Titan CSR Project with FIVE crafts
- (continued)
- Golden Grass Project with UNESCO and District Administration of JAJPUR, Odisha (awaiting final approval)
Our Presence
Kadam is working in six states and providing skill training in multiple crafts.
JAMMU & KASHMIR
- Wicker
- Waguv
- Copper
- Sakhtasaz
- Naqqash
WEST BENGAL
- Sabai
- Sitalpati
- Bamboo
- Sholapith
- Madurkati
BIHAR
- Sikki
- Madhubani Painting
UTTAR PRADESH
- Moonj
- Kaansh
ODISHA
- Sabai
- Golden Grass
TAMILNADU
- Palm Leaf
Sustainable Development Goals
A holistic model of transformative impact fulfilling 12 of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) with an equal focus on Environmental, Social, Governance (E-S-G)
Get Involved
Join us in empowering handicraft artisans. By volunteering, interning, or sharing your expertise, you can help these artisans build sustainable livelihoods. Participate in workshops, support training programs, or assist in community events. Every effort directly impacts the artisans, helping them achieve greater financial independence and opportunity
Support a Cause
Your donation transforms lives by supporting artisans from marginalized communities. Contributions provide essential skills, market access, and opportunities for earning a stable income. By supporting their craft, you’re not just funding, but empowering artisans to break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their families.
Testimonials
Sunita
Sunita didi's journey from poverty to leadership showcases resilience and determination. With support from Kadam, as vice president of Sangam Sajha Hit Samhu, she guides artisans, balancing her roles impressively, setting a positive example for her daughters and uplifting her community.
Madhabi Baidya
Madhabi Baidya's passion for shola craft, nurtured by Kadam training, transformed her life. She empowered her community by sharing skills, inspiring women to pursue traditional crafts, fostering financial independence, and preserving cultural heritage.
Radha Kumari
Radha Kumari, a skilled sikki weaver, has preserved tradition for 15 years in Rayam village, Madhubani district. With support from Kadam, she teaches other women, sparking a local industry and earning a state award for promoting cultural heritage and economic growth.
Our Partners
Our Partners
