Beyond the loom: From Curiosity to Mastery

The community of rug weavers in India had been disconnected from the business of their art for decades, and they have remarkably little idea about the impact they make through their work.

At Jaipur Rugs Foundation , we strive to connect them to the larger ecosystem where they can understand the intricacies of each step in creating rugs and see how their work contributes to the success of the carpet industry.?

The exposure visit is a transformative experience designed specifically for our talented artisans.?

Curiosity ignites within them as they contemplate the final look of their creations after the weaving process is complete.?

We believe that no curious mind should be left unattended, and thus, the Exposure Visit was born.

Twice a week, our artisans from various villages embark on a journey that unveils the secrets of their artistry.?

The exposure begins as a bus arrives at their village, whisking them away to a world of discovery. Their first stop is Jaipur City. For many weavers, this is their first opportunity to step outside their villages and explore the world beyond.?

The visit to Jaipur is a gateway to cultural enrichment, as they discover iconic landmarks like the majestic Amer Fort and immerse themselves in the bustling energy of street shopping.

From there, the journey continues to Surana Center, our warehouse, where the weavers encounter the very essence of their art – the raw materials. They explore the treasure trove of yarns and wool, marveling at the vibrant colors, textures, and qualities carefully arranged to create a symphony of possibilities.?

This experience not only deepens their connection with their craft but also enhances their understanding of the materials they work with.

Post Surana, the weavers are taken to the villages where weaving began foremost, with Jaipur Rugs. One could find some of the company’s well-experienced weavers there. Weavers who come for the exposure visits are taken to these villages to meet the experienced ones, shadow them, learn from their experience, and apply it in their own weaving.

The next stop is at Sadwa, our finishing center, where carpets undergo a series of 18 meticulous processes.

With wide-eyed wonder, our weavers witness the transformation of their masterpieces. They observe as each carpet undergoes repairs, pile height adjustments, and meticulous washing, drying, and stretching. Every intricate detail is scrutinized and perfected, ensuring that the final product meets the highest standards of excellence.

The Exposure Visit reaches its pinnacle as our weavers arrive at the Jaipur Rugs Head Office. Welcomed with warmth and hospitality, they embark on a comprehensive tour that encompasses every department.?

As they venture through the halls, the weavers gain deep insights into the workings of our organization. They witness firsthand how each department contributes to the larger vision of success, and they begin to understand the vital role they play in this grand design. From design and production to marketing and customer engagement, they grasp the seamless synergy that binds us all together.

The journey concludes with a heartwarming rug show, where the weavers witness the fruits of their labor displayed proudly on the walls.?

Each rug tells a story. As the weavers gaze at their handiwork, they can trace every knot, every pattern, and every stroke of creativity that went into its making.

It is a symbol of their artistry, their perseverance, and their commitment to preserving the heritage of hand-knotted carpets. The sight of their months of dedication and creativity transformed into magnificent carpets fills their hearts with immeasurable joy and pride.?

In this magical moment, the weavers are inspired to continue weaving, to pour their hearts and souls into creating more masterpieces that will grace the homes of discerning customers around the world. They are reminded of the impact their work has, not only on their own lives but also on the lives of those who appreciate and cherish the beauty of handmade rugs.

The highlight of the exposure visit culminates in a moment of great significance and inspiration as our Founder and Chairman, Nand Kishore Chaudhary (NKC) , engages with each and every weaver present. Their hearts are filled with pride, and the weavers eagerly share their remarkable progress in weaving skills, expressing their newfound speed and creativity with the Manchahas. Overflowing with gratitude, they express how their association with Jaipur Rugs and Jaipur Rugs Foundation has transformed their lives.

Having previously worked with contractors, the weavers endured irregular payments, harsh treatment, and limited communication. Now, earning a steady income from the comfort of their own homes, their joy knows no bounds. The stark contrast in their experiences has reinforced their appreciation for the opportunities provided by Jaipur Rugs Foundation.

During this session, the weavers recount their exposure to the meticulous repair work conducted at Sadwa, where rugs are carefully restored. Deeply moved by witnessing this process, they feel a sense of empathy and responsibility. Determined to weave more carefully and avoid mistakes, they even proactively correct any errors they find in their work. This revelation truly signifies the objective of the exposure visits, as the weavers embody the transformation from artisans to artists, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Their ownership and accountability grow, unlocking a wealth of opportunities.

By immersing the weavers in the entire market value chain, Jaipur Rugs empowers them with a profound understanding of the business model.?

Drawing from their grassroots experience, they provide valuable insights and contribute to improving their own processes.?

At each center, a bunkar sakhi, the lead weaver, takes charge of ensuring quality, delivery timelines, and overall supervision. Witnessing the wider scope of the value chain enhances the existing bunkar sakhis’ business acumen, enabling them to guide their fellow weavers toward optimal practices and also paves way for the development of more such grassroot leaders.?

In this manner, our exposure visits manifest as transformative journeys of learning and inspiration, embodying the commitment to fulfill promises made. Through these experiences, Jaipur Rugs Foundation nurtures the weavers' growth, fostering their evolution as leaders and entrepreneurs in their own right.