Modern art with a tribal touch
Sepember 2024
Modern art with a tribal touch
Gautam Bharati and Avani Jain, based
in Dungarpur, Rajasthan saw the incredible ability and passion of tribals for arts and decided to do something about it.
They began a company called Hunar Tribes with the aim to empower more individuals, both economically and environmentally. They design cafes, parks, and public areas that are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly. They create upcycled furniture and vibrant wall murals to create functional spaces that inspire and promote a harmonious relationship between people and the planet.
Both of them had left their previous jobs to focus entirely on the Hunar Tribe, so they needed it to be a reliable source of income, not just for the youth but for themselves as well. “This created a burden, as we were constantly searching for new projects to keep the youth engaged and to keep ourselves afloat. There were times when we struggled to get them to return because they couldn’t offer consistent work,” says Gautam. To overcome these challenges, they focused on diversifying and expanding their range of offerings. They moved beyond just furniture to include tyre playgrounds, tyre pots, sculptures, park designs, model school designs, Hunar Camps, and much more. This diversification helped them attract more projects and provided continuous work for their team.
The most special moments for them are those where they see tangible growth and impactful work coming together. One of their proudest achievements has been upcycling 268,000 kgs of tyres, 100,000 kgs of scrap iron, and over 5,000 plastic bottles. Knowing that their efforts have had such a substantial environmental impact is incredibly fulfilling.
These milestones affirm that they are making a meaningful contribution to society and nature, which is immensely rewarding. For them, Hunar Tribe is not just a venture; it’s a passion.
Their hope for the future is multifaceted. Firstly, they aspire to expand Hunar Tribe’s presence nationwide and beyond, exporting their products to inspire and reach a broader audience. Concurrently, they envision establishing Hunar Tribe models in villages across India, particularly where opportunities for youth are limited, thereby discovering and nurturing creative talent throughout the country. We wish them all the best in their journey of empowering the youth and creating a sustainable earth.
- By Jamuna Rangachari