The story of engineer Sushmita Kaneri is in discussion on the internet these days. It sounds a bit strange to hear that someone leaves a high-paying job in an MNC companies and returns to the village and revives the old art related to clay. But this is what Sushmita Kaneri did. Engineer Sushmita Kaneri left her technical career to save the endangered Indian crafts, This passion made her a successful entrepreneur, earning Rs 50 lakh in just 2 years.
Sushmita got a degree in Software Engineering from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), Pune, in the year 2020. After this, she was ready to do a job. But during her school days, the idea of becoming a social entrepreneur came to her mind. She became fond of doing something for society and working with NGOs. Then she thought of leaving the job offer and becoming an entrepreneur, and doing something for society.
‘Gullak’ – Her First Step Towards Change
In the year 2021, instead of doing a job, Sushmita started a crowdfunding platform named ‘Gullak’. The purpose was to track donations and see what impact the donations were having. This was not enough for people to become self-reliant and earn for their entire lives. She focused on the disappearing art of India.
A Life-Changing Trip to Telangana
In the year 2021, a big change came in her life. She went to Telangana and met the artists of Nirmal Kala there. This art is done on wood, and stories are told through painting. Sushmita says, ‘I saw that these artists have been doing this art for many generations. But no one was liking their art.’
Launch of ‘Gullakari’
Sushmita Launched “Gullakari” in April 2023. This platform connects artists with customers, creates art together, and spreads awareness about disappearing art. Also, it helps artists to earn sustainably. Gullakari aims to give respect and recognition to traditional art.
Gullakari is currently working on saving 13 disappearing arts. Each of these has its own history and cultural significance. These include Warli paintings from Maharashtra, Patachitra from Bengal and Odisha, Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh, Chittara art from Karnataka, Naikpod masks from Telangana, and Tholu Bommalata from Andhra Pradesh. In 2024, Gullkari sold more than 4,000 handicraft items. In just two years, its revenue reached Rs 50 lakh.
