Recognition as a path breaker in the rural sector in India
JAIPUR receives the Villgro Social Enterprise Award 2011

Chennai, India – Saturday, December 2nd 2011, Pracin Jain, Head Content & Communication, represented JAIPUR to receive the Villgro Social Enterprise Award 2011, during the social entrepreneurship conference Unconvention, for creating a global supply chain that integrates more than 40,000 carpet artisans from 600 remote villages in India.
 

The annual event is organized by Villgro Innovations Foundation, “the pioneers in championing rural innovation”, to recognize and felicitate outstanding individuals, enterprises and institutions in the Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship eco-system, for their contribution in effecting a sustainable change in society.

The Social Enterprise Award is given to organizations which are likely to become role models for start-up & early growth social enterprises. JAIPUR received the award for its innovative business model to impact rural communities in India.

In 1978, N. K. Chaudhary, founder and Chief Managing Director at JAIPUR, started working in the carpet industry with only two looms and nine weavers; today, JAIPUR has a consolidated network of more than 40,000 artisans in 10 states in the northern part of India. By offering fair wages and working on a business model which allows the integration of artisans in the production chain, JAIPUR is seeking to improve their quality of life. Jaipur Rugs Foundation, JAIPUR entity and non-profit organization, further catalyses sustainable livelihood for the artisans through rug weaving training & educational programs.

Villgro Awards 2011 has received nominations across different categories such as Lifetime achievement, Social Enterprise, Social Investor, Media House, Journalist, Grass root innovator, Social Incubator, Academic Contribution. One of the knowledge partners of the conference was Ashoka India.

Since 1994, JAIPUR has received more than 15 awards either for its social mission or for the innovations in the design of its diverse range of rugs and carpets. Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010-Start Up” is one of the last recognitions. Here are more details.