Flipkart’s Samarth turns five: Half-decade of championing India’s artisan community

Flipkart, a leading e-commerce platform in India, recently celebrated the five-year milestone of its Samarth initiative, a program dedicated to empowering artisans, weavers, self-help groups, women, and rural entrepreneurs. The event, attended by over 250 industry leaders, artisans, and dignitaries, underscored Flipkart’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage while fostering sustainable livelihoods.

A significant highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). This partnership, in line with the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, aims to upskill thousands of Indian youth, equipping them with the necessary skills for careers in the e-commerce and supply chain sectors. The program offers a comprehensive training module, combining seven days of classroom instruction with 45 days of hands-on experience at Flipkart facilities.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, emphasized the government’s focus on aligning youth skills with global demands, contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047. He praised Flipkart’s efforts, stating, The collaboration between MSDE and Flipkart’s SCOA is a significant step toward equipping our youth with the skills to thrive in the modern marketplace. By integrating traditional crafts into the digital space through the Samarth program, we are paving the way for the growth of India’s MSME sector.

The Impact of the Samarth Initiative

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company’s impact on preserving over 100 traditional art forms and positively affecting 1.8 million livelihoods through the Samarth initiative. As we celebrate this 5-year milestone, our partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development will further equip India’s youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy, Kumar said.

The event also featured a panel discussion on the future of artisan empowerment, with industry leaders discussing the role of skill development and e-commerce in expanding market access for India’s artisan community. To support artisans ahead of the festive season, Flipkart unveiled the ‘Samarth storefront’ Indian Roots on its app, providing a platform for artisans, weavers, and MSMEs to reach over 500 million customers nationwide.

This celebration underscored the importance of integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, ensuring that India’s rich cultural legacy continues to flourish in the digital age. The event was a testament to the strides made in integrating traditional crafts into the digital marketplace, with the Samarth initiative positively influencing 1.8 million livelihoods, preserving over 100 traditional art forms, and supporting the growth of thousands of sellers over the past five years.

The Significance of the Partnership

The partnership between Flipkartand the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is significant as it aligns with national skill development goals. It integrates traditional artisans into the digital economy, supports sustainable livelihoods, and furthers the government’s vision of empowering artisans and promoting India’s cultural heritage.

The Samarth initiative is reminiscent of similar efforts in the past where technology has been leveraged to empower artisans and small businesses. For instance, the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign launched by the Indian government aimed at promoting local businesses and artisans. Similarly, e-commerce platforms like Amazonand Walmart have also launched initiatives to support MSMEs and drive e-commerce exports across districts.

In conclusion, the Samarth initiative by Flipkart marks a significant milestone in the journey of empowering artisans and entrepreneurs in India. By integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, it not only preserves India’s rich cultural heritage but also provides sustainable livelihoods to millions. The partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship further strengthens this initiative, equipping the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy. As India continues to progress towards a digital future, initiatives like Samarth play a crucial role in ensuring that no section of society is left behind.