From Software Engineer to Savior of Dying Arts: Woman Revives 13 Indian Crafts, Empowers 1,000+ Artisans

When Technology Meets Tradition: A Young Woman’s Journey to Revive India’s Endangered Art Forms

For Mohammed Abdul Hakeem, a 57-year-old Nirmal painting artisan from Telangana, the future of his craft once looked bleak. Like many traditional artists in India, Hakeem felt the pressure of fading recognition and limited income. That changed when he crossed paths with Sushmita Kaneri, a young software engineer from Pune who traded her tech career for a social mission—reviving India’s dying arts.

Sushmita, a graduate of Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), Pune, could have chosen a safe and well-paying job in the tech industry. But a desire to make a social impact—first sparked during a school charity initiative—never left her. In 2021, she launched Gullak, a crowdfunding platform. Realising that donations alone weren’t sustainable, she pivoted to a new idea: helping artisans build enduring livelihoods through their crafts.

This idea blossomed into Gullakaari, a platform she launched in April 2023. Gullakaari empowers artisans across India by connecting them directly with buyers, co-creating contemporary yet traditional products, and integrating technology without compromising authenticity.

From Warli and Gond paintings to Cheriyal scrolls and Tholu Bommalata puppetry, the platform supports 13 endangered crafts. Sushmita has brought in 1,000+ artisans, offering them training, design support, and fair wages. Over 100 artisans now earn consistent income from their crafts.

But technology remains a strong ally. “We use it only where it adds value without altering the soul of the craft,” Sushmita explains. For instance, Tholu Bommalata artisans now create lampshades with 3D-printed corporate logos, and Kavad storytellers use QR codes to share narratives digitally. Upcoming features include augmented reality (AR) previews and blockchain-based craft authentication.

One standout transformation is in the lives of tribal women like Savita Jadhav from Maharashtra, who now earns through sustainable candle-making. “Even Rs 3,000–4,000 a month has given me dignity and hope,” she says.

By replacing middlemen with a direct-to-customer model, Gullakaari ensures artisans receive fair payment and recognition. Their offerings—from handcrafted diaries to vegan leather bags and eco-packaged tableware—have found loyal corporate clients. In just two years, the platform generated Rs 50 lakh in revenue through 4,000+ product sales and 15 corporate partnerships.

Sushmita’s parents, initially hesitant, now proudly support her vision. “Seeing artisans thrive with dignity and lost crafts reborn has filled us with pride,” says her father, Rajendra Kaneri.

As she looks ahead, Sushmita’s goal is clear: “We want to keep these art forms alive, relevant, and thriving for future generations—one artisan, one craft at a time.”