Fair Trade: A Beginner's Guide by Jacqueline DeCarlo

I found this book when we started with the idea of kalakosh and trying to understand the world of fair trade. As such it is a great resource to start with if you are new to fair trade.

This book gives a comprehensive information about all topics related to fair trade. It starts with principles of fair trade and why it is important, continues on to the impact it can make on producer communities highlighted with examples or case studies related to some communities in South America. The author also narrates experiences of some individuals, who started fair trade initiatives - this makes for some very inspirational reading. Also, she touches upon how the latest technologies can take fair trade to a different level by connecting producers to consumers directly and engaging a broader audience. The book ends with the future of fair trade from the author's perspective. In this context, the author highlights the fact that the fair trade movement is mostly run by the people from the "West" (implies developed countries), who are, in one way or the other, associated with religious organisations. It is now time for a new generation of entrepreneurs coming from different cultural backgrounds to get involved in fair trade businesses.

It is this "call to action" within the book that got us thinking about our own concept, which took the form of  kalakosh

We recommend this book to anyone, who is interested in fair trade and would like to know how it works. For this book or other related reading recommendations on fair trade, please check out our book collection under Fair Trade & Sustainability.

Kalakosh decides to party!

On 3rd March, Sandeep was celebrating his birthday party and we made that an occasion to display some of our products amongst our friends. It was a great evening with great people! We received some really positive feedback on our ideas, our products, our website.

Its always good to hear people appreciate the things we've done well, but its even better to get tips and advice on how to do better. Needless to say, we know this is just the start and there is a long way to go and we have a big learning curve ahead of us. But we'll keep marching on.

Last, but not the least, a BIG THANK YOU to:
-- our hosts, Meeta and Sanket, who were very generous and gracious in their hospitality
-- to Maike, for putting together a really cool product display in literally two minutes and for giving a helping hand on quite a few other things
-- to all people for sharing some great moments with us, for the big smiles, and for buying our products, for your encouragement, and your support

Below are some memories from the evening ...some more on our Facebook page! (photo credits: Meeta & Sanket)

Signing off for now,
Paritosh

Our Journal Collection

Our Basket Display - Thank You, Maike!

Talking about the Old School Sketchbook with Yosuke

Kasturi was all smiles today!

... and so were the others! We cherish those the most! Thank you for your support!

Not to forget...the birthday boy! I believe he was the happiest of the lot!