Sadhna was established in 1988 to provide alternative incomes for women in Udaipur’s rural, tribal and urban slum belts. As these communities were not dependent on agriculture, handicraft was chosen to be introduced to them. SADHNA taught Patchwork, Appliqué and Tanka embroidery skills to the women for them to earn a secure living. Today, SADHNA provides continuous training to women artisans to improve their skills, a support network to them in their villages and a respectable position in their family and society.
Transition to a Social Enterprise: SADHNA has its roots in Seva Mandir, a leading development organization based in Udaipur. It was registered as an independent Mutual Benefit Trust in 2004 to ensure SADHNA’s transformation into a self- sufficient, small- scale unit for production of handcrafted products owned by its artisan members. Having started with 15 women, Sadhna today prides itself of being a 714 member family. There are 43 groups spread over 16 locations in and around Udaipur city and each group comprises of 10-20 artisans. Sadhna’s artisans create exquisite and exceptional textile products with their signature handwork and appliqué in kurtas, sarees, home furnishings and accessories. All products sold by Sadhna hold the authentic ‘CraftMark’ certification.
Impact of SADHNA’s work: SADHNA’s work has catalyzed a noticeable change in the lives of its artisans, who once were not even exposed to their own villages. Today these women artisans are confident enough to make their own decisions within the family as well as in different socio-political groups. Economic empowerment has also created a marked difference in their awareness towards education, healthcare, social status and family life.
Sadhna is a member of Fair Trade Forum- India, Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH) and WFTO . It also has numerous awards and extensive recognition to its credit:
Winner of the 2011 Development Marketplace (India) by World Bank & IFC.
National Winner 2011 of Citi Micro Entrepreneur Award in Community owned enterprise category.
Seal Of Excellence by UNESCO in 2006 & 2008 for handmade pouches, Appliqué sarees, Appliqué & Tanka Quilts.
Kamla Devi Puraskaar awarded to Anita Yadav, SADHNA’s youngest artisan by Delhi Craft Council in 2012.
