Empowering Women through Krishnsakhi: A Social Impact Story
Krishnsakhi, a Bengaluru-based jewelry brand specializing in bhagwan ke gehne (jewelry for god idols), isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to empower and uplift women artisans across India. Founded by Champa Sharma, who started Krishnsakhi at the age of 64, the brand has grown into a powerful community of over 47 women artisans who create handcrafted jewelry pieces that bring devotion and artistry to ghar ka mandir (home temples) and pooja celebrations. Each jewelry piece reflects tradition, skill, and dedication, showcasing the artisans’ craftsmanship and empowering them with sustainable livelihoods.
Building a Community of Skilled Women Artisans in Bengaluru
At the heart of Krishnsakhi is the dedication to fostering community among women artisans, many of whom are based in and around Bengaluru. These artisans, trained by Champa Sharma and her team, have found in Krishnsakhi a platform for developing their craft and becoming financially independent. They work on a per-piece model, receiving fair pay for each jewelry item they create. This model provides flexibility and empowerment, allowing the artisans to balance work with their family and personal responsibilities.
Stories of Transformation: How Krishnsakhi Empowers Women
Each artisan’s journey is a story of empowerment and transformation. Many of these women came from backgrounds where career opportunities were limited, but with Krishnsakhi, they have been able to build valuable skills and a steady income.
Here are a few stories from the Krishnsakhi family:
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Meena’s Story: Meena, one of our artisans from Bengaluru, joined Krishnsakhi with no formal training in jewelry making. Under Champa Sharma’s guidance, she learned the art of designing mukut (crowns) and bansuri (flutes) for Krishna idols. Today, Meena has become a highly skilled artisan whose intricate designs are cherished by Krishnsakhi’s customers. Her earnings help her support her children’s education, giving her family new opportunities.
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Rani’s Story: Rani, another Bengaluru artisan, specializes in creating jewelry for Goddess Lakshmi, such as mangalsutras and kada (bangles). She describes her work as a path to empowerment that allows her to celebrate her own heritage while contributing to her family’s income. Rani says, “With every piece I make, I feel connected to my culture and proud to be a part of Krishnsakhi.”
These stories are only a glimpse of the transformations Krishnsakhi has helped facilitate. By providing training, fair wages, and a supportive environment, Krishnsakhi is creating a ripple effect of positive change in the lives of these women artisans and their families.
Craftsmanship and Tradition: The Art Behind Each Piece
Crafting jewelry for deities requires a high level of skill, attention to detail, and respect for tradition. Each piece reflects not only the artisan’s devotion but also the cultural heritage associated with adorning gods and goddesses during poojas and festivals.
The artisans at Krishnsakhi use traditional techniques to create a wide range of pieces for various deities, from Krishna’s playful flutes and peacock feather mukuts to the opulent necklaces and bangles worn by Lakshmi and Durga. Each item is crafted with the utmost care to honor the deity’s characteristics and the spiritual symbolism behind the adornment.
Fostering Economic Independence and Social Impact
By offering sustainable employment opportunities, Krishnsakhi enables these women to gain financial independence and actively contribute to their families and communities. This social impact is particularly significant in a bustling city like Bengaluru, where women are often seeking flexible work opportunities that allow them to balance household responsibilities with their professional aspirations.
For many artisans, the flexibility offered by Krishnsakhi’s per-piece payment model allows them to manage both home and work, resulting in a healthier work-life balance. Additionally, Krishnsakhi’s emphasis on quality training and skill development ensures that the artisans not only produce beautiful jewelry but also build confidence and a sense of purpose.
Krishnsakhi: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Community
Krishnsakhi stands as a unique blend of tradition, artistry, and social impact. This Bengaluru-based brand is more than a jewelry business; it’s a movement that empowers women, celebrates craftsmanship, and fosters community. Through each handcrafted piece, Krishnsakhi continues to spread devotion and joy, not only to devotees adorning their ghar ka mandir but also to the artisans who pour their love and skill into their work.
By choosing Krishnsakhi, customers are not only enhancing their pooja rituals with beautiful jewelry but also supporting the empowerment of talented women artisans in Bengaluru and beyond. Each purchase makes a difference, contributing to a social impact that strengthens communities and honors India’s cultural heritage.
Explore Krishnsakhi’s unique collection of bhagwan ke gehne and become a part of our story. With every handcrafted piece, you bring beauty, tradition, and empowerment into your home temple and beyond.