About Kiran
Kiran Social Enterprises is a vocational training and employment centre for people from the slums in Kolkata, India. We train individuals in the art of jewelry making, sewing, bag making and other handicrafts enabling them to develop a new vocation and become artisans in their own right.
We operate not just as a business and workshop, but as a community of support and hope. The word ‘Kiran’ is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘ray of light’. Our desire is to be a ray of light and hope in Kolkata. Kiran is about working with those from the slums who otherwise need to seek out hard work with long hours at what is usually well below living wage rates. We provide the opportunity for fairly paid, dignified work instead.
Kiran also has the broader aim of being an organisation that encourages and facilitates a variety of social enterprise projects. We want to work towards the transformation of urban poor communities and the empowerment of those with whom we work.
Only the Best
Ethically Sourced Jewels & Materials
Our materials are all locally sourced from our surrounding markets in Kolkata.
Kiran jewelry is based on copper and the iconic Indian sari. We love the use of reclaimed saris in the Kiran products.Our goal is to one day use only 100% natural or recycled materials so we’re not only helping our friends receive jobs, but also helping the planet by only making ethically sourced goods.
Handmade In House
Our products are special because our team designs and makes them fully in house. Any product you see is the work of the skillful hands of our friends that were trained through our slum programs.
They are so skilled they are able to make orders just from a picture! Our team has not only made custom jewelry and bags, but also curtains, couch & cushion covers, mats & small rugs, even bed frames and tables!
If you’d like to place a custom order please fill out a ‘Custom Product’ form and we will be in touch with you shortly for more details.
