The Tribal Hermit: Taking Dhokra Craft To The World

Jun 16

Nirmaan Dutta founded The Tribal Hermit with his Uncle Suntu in 2021 as a rural development and livelihood project by the LEAD at Krea University to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for the Self Help Groups (SHGs), artisans, and farmers in rural India. Today, it is a social impact venture that works closely with 130+ Dhokra craft artisans from Kondagaon, Bastar, and Raigarh districts of Chhattisgarh to design, create, and sell their products.

Nirmaan is a management professional with 5+ years of experience in finance & marketing, with a passion for generating dignified rural livelihoods. The Tribal Hermit is primarily a B2B brand that creates metal artifacts like decor, fashion accessories, and jewelry, and sells to export houses, fashion brands, and corporations for gifting.

We spoke with Nirmaan in a wide-ranging conversation to learn more about his work, his passion, and his goals for The Tribal Hermit. Read the Q&A below!

Q. What motivated you to start The Tribal Hermit?

Throughout my career, I have been driven by an unwavering desire to make a meaningful contribution to the progress of the most vulnerable sections of our society. However, it was a profound experience during my visit to Kondagaon in August 2020, immediately following the first wave of COVID-19, that truly ignited my passion. Witnessing the resilience of the tribal artisans in the face of adversity opened my eyes to the immense challenges they faced.

Having previously collaborated with talented artisans, it deeply saddened me to learn that many of them had been forced to abandon their ancestral crafts and work as daily wage construction laborers. The hardships they endured were heart-wrenching, and I was determined to transform my part-time involvement into a full-fledged commitment. The dwindling numbers of these skilled artisans served as a constant reminder of the urgent need to preserve their heritage.

Motivated by this incident, I embarked on a transformative journey to establish my own social enterprise. My mission became clear—to provide a sustainable platform that preserves and uplifts the rich heritage of these artisans. I envisioned a future where their invaluable skills are recognized, valued, and where they can thrive in their chosen crafts without compromising their livelihoods.

Q. What did you do before you became an entrepreneur?

Before starting this venture, I spent five years working in the banking & financial services sector in Mumbai. The experience I gained working with an old-generation commercial bank and a new-age fintech company instilled in me the ability to lead diverse teams and maintain professional discipline. However, it was when I started working closely with the tribal artisans that I truly learned the importance of compassion and empathy in every situation.

Q. Why did you decide to formulate a business model with such a strong emphasis on social impact?

Coming from a rural and remote region myself, I deeply understand the challenges that arise due to the lack of exposure and support for individuals to excel in their careers or crafts. Many talented professionals, including myself, have migrated to Tier-1 or Metro cities, leaving behind a large community that could greatly benefit from our expertise to improve their health and livelihoods. Now, I am dedicated to assisting these vulnerable communities in remote areas to attain dignified livelihoods without the need to migrate to larger cities.

Q. What is your vision for The Tribal Hermit?

Our vision is to be a beacon of stability for these vulnerable sections of society, ensuring not only their livelihoods but also fair compensation that leads to an improvement in their overall standard of living. By doing so, we aim to bring dignity to their age-old crafts and uplift their communities.

Through our efforts, we seek to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, providing opportunities for growth and development without the need for migration. We understand that true progress lies in empowering these communities to thrive in their own regions, where their skills and traditions have flourished for generations.

Q. What motivates you to do this everyday?

Being a ray of hope for others is just as rewarding as the profits generated from a successful business, and in our business, we have the privilege of experiencing both.

Q. What keeps you up at night?

Each day presents new challenges to overcome, and as startup founders who have found product-market fit, our current focus is on achieving scalability—an exciting yet daunting prospect that occupies my thoughts.

Q. What has been your biggest personal take-away in your entrepreneurial journey so far?

Throughout this journey, I have learned invaluable lessons in belief, optimism, and perseverance. These qualities have become my guiding principles. Belief fuels our ambition, empowering us to strive for greatness even in the face of uncertainty. Optimism infuses our work with positivity, allowing us to see opportunities where others may see obstacles. And perseverance is the driving force that propels us forward, ensuring that we never lose sight of our aspirations.

Q. What did you enjoy the most being part of the Dignified Jobs Accelerator program?

The program exceeded all our expectations, providing us with invaluable insights into strategic frameworks that are instrumental in constructing a purpose-driven enterprise with measurable impact. Additionally, it offered a remarkable opportunity to connect with a diverse network of passionate professionals who share our vision, enabling us to amplify the outcomes of our work through the establishment of long-term partnerships and securing strategic investments.

Q. What is a piece of advice you’d like to give to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

Embrace resilience and adaptability as an aspiring entrepreneur. Learn from failures, bounce back, and keep moving forward. Stay open to change, seize opportunities, and be agile in a rapidly evolving business environment. Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and like-minded individuals for guidance and inspiration. Collaborate and build meaningful connections to amplify your impact. Remember, entrepreneurship is not a solo journey.

By embodying these qualities and seeking support, you'll be better equipped to navigate challenges and turn your visions into reality.