Real Stories, Real Impact

Stories & Testimonials

These are the inspiring journeys of artisans and producers who have transformed their lives through the support of Pushpanjali Fair Trade.

1. Supporting Women’s Financial Autonomy – The Ajam Para Women Team

The Pushpanjali scarf production team is composed of 12 women from Ajam Para, Agra. They began working with Pushpanjali three years ago, gaining a rare opportunity for women in their area to earn their own income.

They handle scarf quality control, cutting extra threads, and knotting. When orders come in, they work weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM while their children are in school — about 6 to 7 months a year.

The women say their greatest gain has been increased financial autonomy. With fair wages, they can meet family needs, especially for clothing. They enjoy good working conditions and hope for business growth and more orders to further support their families.

2. Shifting the Power to the Field – Producer Success Stories

Amit Agarwal: After two years as an iron producer for Pushpanjali, Amit launched his own workshop in 2008. He learned product design, gained his first orders from Pushpanjali, and now employs seven producers (three women) while upholding Fair Trade principles daily.

Mohd Shakeel: Starting embroidery at age 14, Shakeel worked in various workshops before starting his own fair-trade-compliant workshop with Pushpanjali’s support. He now employs up to 12 producers, meeting safety standards and serving multiple clients.

3. Supporting Education – Devendra Upraity & His Son Rahul

For over three generations, the Upraity family has worked with Pushpanjali. Devendra took over from his father Hari Prasad as a soapstone craft producer. Rahul, Devendra’s eldest son, joined Pushpanjali’s office and later participated in an international fair trade exchange program in Nepal.

Rahul is now ready to contribute his experience to new Fair Trade shops across India, potentially selling his father’s crafts. For Pushpanjali, education is a core way to create sustainable improvement in disadvantaged communities.