As India’s corporate sector deepens its commitment to sustainability and community development, companies are increasingly exploring models that combine social impact with commercial viability. One such initiative is Kosala, a social enterprise launched by Hindalco Industries to revive the indigenous Kosa silk craft of Chhattisgarh while creating sustainable livelihoods for artisan communities.
Saurabh Khedekar, CEO – Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries and Director, Kosala Foundation, discusses how the initiative aligns with Hindalco’s ESG framework, the strategy behind Kosala’s expanding retail presence, and how traditional Kosa silk is being reinterpreted for contemporary consumers. Edited excerpts
Kosala is a social enterprise initiative of Hindalco Industries. How does this align with Hindalco’s broader ESG and community development strategy? Is Kosala being positioned as a long-term strategic vertical within the company’s sustainability roadmap?
At Hindalco, sustainability goes beyond environmental stewardship; it also includes creating enduring socio-economic value in the communities where we operate. Kosala is a natural extension of this philosophy. Instituted as part of our sustainable mining initiatives in Chhattisgarh, it reflects our commitment to livelihood creation, skill development and community-led growth.
Kosala is designed as a long-term, scalable rural enterprise model that integrates ESG principles with measurable grassroots impact. It strengthens our sustainability roadmap by combining cultural preservation with inclusive economic development.
Kosala Livelihood and Social Foundation focuses on advancing key sustainability goals through its work in the Kosa silk ecosystem. A central priority is gender equality (SDG 5), which the initiative promotes by reintroducing the traditional thigh-reeling technique historically practised by women in the Kosa silk value chain. By reviving this practice and creating employment opportunities for women in weaver households, Kosala strengthens women’s participation in the production process while supporting inclusive community development.
The initiative also contributes to decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) by enhancing skills and providing consistent, high-quality work opportunities for weavers and artisans across the silk value chain in Chhattisgarh. At the same time, Kosala promotes responsible production and consumption (SDG 12) by reviving authentic Kosa silk using traditional thigh-reeling techniques and handloom weaving. This approach encourages environmentally conscious production while supporting sustained income and growth for the Dewangan community. Through its unified brand messaging, Kosala is also raising awareness in urban and global markets about mindful and responsible consumption.
Kosala is positioned as a social enterprise rooted in reviving Kosa silk. What was the original objective behind launching this initiative, and how does the Greater Kailash flagship store strengthen that vision at a national level?
Kosala was launched in 2021 with the objective of reviving the indigenous Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community and restoring dignity, recognition and sustainable income to its original custodians.
The flagship store in Greater Kailash marks an important milestone. It bridges rural craftsmanship with urban and global consumers, positioning Kosa silk within a contemporary luxury framework. Its presence in the national capital strengthens brand visibility, market access and long-term demand, which directly translates into sustained livelihood opportunities for artisans.
The initiative has engaged over 700 artisans across Raigarh and Janjgir-Champa. Can you elaborate on how Kosala is ensuring sustained livelihood growth and income stability?
Kosala’s approach centres on end-to-end value chain integration rather than fragmented engagement. We provide assured, year-round work to full-time weaver families along with structured training, improved tools, design inputs and formal market linkages, ensuring both skill enhancement and steady demand.
The impact has been measurable. In FY25, 31 weaver families secured full-time engagement, while 130 artisans were employed across pre-loom and post-loom processes, strengthening ecosystem integration. Full-time weavers recorded a 63 per cent increase in income, significantly improving household stability. During the year, 379 artisans were engaged and 100 newly skilled, expanding the talent base and reinforcing long-term resilience.
Since inception, Kosala has empowered more than 700 artisans across Raigarh and Janjgir-Champa, building sustainable livelihoods while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk with dignity and continuity.
How does Hindalco balance social impact with commercial viability in Kosala’s expansion? What is the business model behind Kosala?
Kosala, a social enterprise initiative of Hindalco Industries Limited, is built on a business model that aligns social impact with long-term commercial viability. Designed as an integrated value-chain approach, it strengthens the Kosa silk ecosystem from cocoon cultivation to market access.
The model begins at the source. Farmers receive infrastructure support and training for cocoon cultivation, while community women are trained in reeling operations and provided with machines and storage facilities, creating a stable and skilled supply base for Kosa silk.
Artisans are supported through capability-building programmes in design, colour theory, natural dyeing and quality craftsmanship, helping elevate traditional skills to global standards while integrating them into a market-oriented value chain. Operational scale is strengthened through the Common Facility Centre in Champa, which streamlines pre- and post-loom processes, including safe large-scale dyeing and infrastructure for activities such as tailoring and block printing.
On the market side, Kosala drives design innovation and brand development, reviving heritage techniques while introducing contemporary products across womenswear, menswear and home textiles. The brand also plans to expand its urban retail presence and build a scalable premium label rooted in heritage.
Kosa silk has traditionally been seen as heritage wear. How is Kosala reinterpreting this craft for modern consumers? Could you tell us more about collections like Sunehri – Spring Summer ’26, Chitr and Vyoma?
At Kosala, authenticity remains fundamental, but relevance is equally important. We are reimagining Kosa silk by blending traditional weaving techniques with contemporary silhouettes, lighter textures and versatile styling suited to modern wardrobes. The aim is to move Kosa beyond occasion wear and position it as an aspirational yet wearable textile for today’s urban consumer.
Sunehri – Spring Summer ’26 draws inspiration from coastal landscapes, juxtaposing structured geometric checks with delicate handwoven florals. The palette reflects sun-washed whites, soft corals and warm golden hues, creating drapes that feel both architectural and romantic.
Chitr celebrates artistic motifs rooted in regional narratives, translating storytelling into textile expression, while Vyoma embodies fluidity and understated elegance, focusing on graceful movement and refined minimalism.
Together, these collections retain the soul of the craft while presenting Kosa silk as contemporary, design-forward and globally relevant.
How important is leadership commitment in scaling a craft-based rural enterprise model? What role does corporate trusteeship play?
Leadership commitment is critical in scaling a craft-based rural enterprise. Craft revival requires patient capital, a long-term perspective and sustained institutional support. Without these elements, initiatives often struggle to achieve scale or lasting impact.
At the Aditya Birla Group, this philosophy is guided by the principle of trusteeship, supporting communities while preserving India’s cultural heritage. The Group views its role as an enabler of the ecosystem, ensuring that artisan welfare, cultural preservation and responsible practices remain central to every growth decision.
This approach allows commercial growth and social impact to progress together, creating a model where business expansion also strengthens communities and sustains traditional crafts.
How does Kosala differentiate itself in the conscious fashion space in terms of sourcing, transparency and traceability? Do you see this driving stronger margins or customer loyalty?
Kosala is a luxury brand rooted in Indian craft and created for a global audience. Design sits at the heart of the brand, drawing inspiration from nature, sacred geometry and traditional weaving motifs of the region, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
A restrained palette inspired by the landscapes of Chhattisgarh, along with the interplay of matte and sheen textures, creates a refined aesthetic that balances heritage with modern luxury.
Kosala differentiates itself through a cluster-based, transparent sourcing model that works directly with the Dewangan artisan community in Chhattisgarh. This approach ensures traceability across the value chain, from cocoon cultivation and yarn preparation to weaving and finishing. Natural dyeing processes, along with structured artisan training and skill development programmes, further strengthen quality, authenticity and consistency.
In conscious fashion and luxury handloom brands, provenance is as important as design. By making the journey of Kosa silk visible — from forest landscapes to the loom — Kosala builds deeper consumer trust and creates purpose for all stakeholders. While sustainable margins remain important, this transparency and commitment to craft are already fostering stronger customer loyalty and long-term brand equity for the initiative supported by Hindalco Industries Limited. The launch of our first flagship store in Delhi is a testament to this purpose and to the trust our customers have placed in us. |
