Dastkar Andhra Exibition in Bangalore

The cotton and handloom industry is considered as a huge potential as 'cottage industry' in India. This industry provides self-employment to over 70 lakhs people across the country. Government of India has taken appropriate measures to ensure that this industry is given due importance and this resulted in a massive increase of production of handloom fabrics. In the early 1950's the produce was around 500 Million Sq. Meters, and during 2000-2001, recorded more than 7600 Million Sq. Meters. This industry contributes to more than 20% of total cloth produced in the country.

This industry has its own set of concerns and the powerloom sector gives a very tough competition. There are non-profit organizations which are working towards providing a helping hand to such small scale home / cottage industries to reach out to the world.

Dastakar Andhra is a not-for-profit organization which works within Andhra Pradesh to promote the interests of the producer communities within the cotton handloom weaving industry.

Dastakar Andha is having an exibition of equisite handloom fabrics, dupattas and sarees including natural dyed fabrics in Bangalore.
Venue: The Lady Jehangir Kothari Memorial Hall, 15 Quees Road, Bangalore - 01.
Dates: 1 June - 4 June 2007.
Time: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM.

If you are in Bangalore, do take some time to visit...

Entrepreneurship Learning

I came across the web site of Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), Ahmadabad. This institute offers courses for aspiring entrepreneur's. Do any courses or books give you the edge to become an Entrepreneur? Probably not, but we definitely need understanding of various aspects of how to run an organization. This is what we need to look for. I am planning to enroll for the Diploma in Business Entrepreneurship. The course fee is only Rs.5000 (in case you are a Technology graduate, they give you Rs.2,500 instant waiver in fees).
I am really impressed with the kind of support various educational and government organizations are providing us to learn more and inspire to take the country forward. I think it is moral responsibility for each of us to ensure we utilize these courses/seminars/workshops to think forward.

Social Entrepreneurship - The case for Definition

Recently, I came across Stanford Social Innovation Review web site and I got to read they article on Social Entrepreneurship - The case for Definition which really interested me. I will not take this note towards explaining the site or the article, but will pen down my initial impression when I read this article by Roger L Martin & Sally Osberg.

It is really a case for definition. The article begins with a little introduction to Muhammad Yunus of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, but actually concentrates in defining what "Social Entrepreneurship" is all about. If you think that you are going to get introduced to organizations like Ashoka etc, then you might be disappointed. The authors take you to a journey into defining Entrepreneurship and why is it passonating to "be there, and do that".

It is worth if you personally read it than me trying to write in my own words.

I highly recommed each one to read this article. It is really worth it....