About Gullakaari

Our Story

A father-daughter dream turned into a movement — preserving India's living artistic heritage one artisan at a time.

Gullakaari founders visiting artisan communities
The Beginning

Where it all began

Gullakaari was born when a Father-Daughter duo embarked on visits to tribal and rural communities across India. They witnessed the exceptional skills of India's artisan communities — people who craft exquisite products with meticulous attention and genuine affection — yet struggled to earn a fair living.

Moved by the struggles of Nirmal artisans in Telangana and after spending a year travelling the country to connect with other craftsmen, Sushmita Kaneri — an engineer who left her tech career — founded Gullakaari in April 2023.

The name Gullakaari reflects the intricate craft of the artisans it champions — detailed, meaningful, and rooted in tradition. As Sushmita says: "We use tech only where it adds value without altering the soul of the craft."

Vision & Mission

What drives us every day

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Our Vision

To give traditional Indian art the respect and recognition it deserves — making ancient craft forms relevant, celebrated, and economically viable in the modern world. We believe India's cultural heritage belongs on the global stage.

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Our Mission

To preserve India's cultural heritage while making traditional crafts relevant to modern consumers — through direct market access, skill training, capital support, and building a platform that connects artisans with a global audience.

Our Approach

How Gullakaari works

1

Discover

We travel to tribal and rural communities, identify skilled artisans, and understand the unique art forms at risk of disappearing.

2

Upskill

Expert volunteers guide artisans in crafting functional products using traditional art, improving quality, and meeting modern market demands.

3

Connect

We place artisan products directly with corporates, art lovers, and global buyers — ensuring fair prices and steady income streams.

Our Journey

Milestones

From a personal journey to a nationwide movement — here is how Gullakaari grew.

2022
The Discovery
Father-daughter visits to tribal communities in Telangana. Discovery of the Nirmal artisan community and the devastating impact of middlemen on their livelihoods.
April 2023
Gullakaari Founded
Sushmita Kaneri leaves her software engineering career and officially founds Gullakaari to connect artisans with customers and build a fair marketplace.
2023–24
First 1,000 Artisans
Gullakaari celebrates its first anniversary having collaborated with 1,000 artisans across 9 states and union territories, preserving 11 unique art forms.
2025
13 Art Forms & Growing
Expansion to 13 endangered art forms, featured in The Better India, and planning blockchain authentication for handicrafts to guarantee product authenticity.
The Team

People behind the mission

Sushmita Kaneri
Sushmita Kaneri
Founder & CEO
Software engineer turned social entrepreneur, Sushmita left a successful tech career to preserve India's endangered craft traditions.
Co-Founder
Co-Founder
Strategy & Outreach
The other half of the father-daughter duo who first witnessed the artisans' struggles and co-created the vision for Gullakaari.
Volunteer Team
Expert Volunteers
Quality & Training
A dedicated team of craft and business experts who guide artisans in enhancing product quality, delivery, and access to new markets.
Core Values

What we stand for

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Fairness

Direct access to markets without exploitative middlemen.

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Authenticity

Preserving the soul of traditional crafts, using tech only where it adds value.

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Sustainability

Building long-term, dignified livelihoods — not one-time charity.

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Global Reach

Connecting India's villages with the world through craft and culture.