Praakruti Enabling Tribal Youth To Find Second Income Source

Make yourself aware of the current environmental issues and create a sustainable solution to help tackle it -- Ishaan Surve, founder, Praakruti

Mumbai: Praakruti is a startup committed to igniting a sustainable revolution in the Indian toy sector. Started by Ishaan Surve, a young entrepreneur, who wanted to tackle the environmental issues by providing a sustainable solution inspiring others in 2023, Praakruti provides a second income to 18+ tribal individuals from all over India. The highlight is that this 16-year-old curates the DIY kit himself and makes profitable sales.

Last winter he provided warmth to 110 underprivileged families by donating blankets. On weekends, Ishaan travels to Wada villages, in the morning and takes interactive sessions in Zilla Parishad school and evening along with the village children with whom he has formed a theatre group, which goes from village to village performing street plays, addressing various environmental issues like Water Pollution, Say No To Plastic, Wildfire, Use of natural treasures, Importance of Neem Tree for agricultural land, Native Medicinal Plants Vs Non-Native Flower Plants, Save Forest Save Water, etc.

He interacts with villagers advocating to stop plastic use and plant indigenous trees. Initial funding for Praakruti was Rs18,000 which Ishaan had borrowed from his father. However, the sales have crossed over Rs3,50,000 on date and thus generating a profit of Rs1,80,000, about 50 per cent of which has been invested back into tribal welfare with an aim to develop a cyclical economy.

Talking to Bizz Buzz about his success mantra, Ishaan says: “Make yourself aware of the current environmental issues and create a sustainable solution to help tackle it.”

Praakruti has collaborated with Vanashakti India, an NGO dedicated to protecting our biodiversity and wetlands, to amplify its social impact. So far, Praakruti has reached out to over 9,500+ eco-conscious people. It has been applauded by leaders & prominent personalities including - Dr Srikanta Panigrahi- Director General of Indian Institute of Sustainable Development & Member of the National Climate Change Mission, Government of India, Sudha Murthy- Educator, Author, Philanthropist, Founder Chairperson - Infosys Foundation, Namita Thapar- Entrepreneur, Investor, Judge - Shark Tank, Executive Director - Emcure Pharma, Kiran Rao - Film Producer, Screenwriter and Director Mahanaryaman Rao Scindia - Youth Leader & Prince of Gwalior, Amrita Puri - Indian Actress.

The firm is committed to bridge the divide between urban children and nature by providing them an opportunity to explore natural treasures through their eco-friendly DIY Kits. Through Praakruti, Ishaan hopes to inspire a new generation of natural lovers and passionate environmentalists who would help preserve our planet. Praakruti DIY Kit contains natural elements curated from all over India like Pine Cones of Uttarakhand, Sea Shells of Konkan, Elephant Pods of Andaman & Nicobar and much more. Children can utilise them to let their imagination come to life and create toys, figurines and artworks.