Parama Naturals works on advancing community livelihoods

"In every community, there is work to be done. In every heart, there is the power to do it. – Marianne Williamson

And when this power is unleashed through a collaborative effort, the outcome is marvellous.

Parama Naturals in partnership with Development Support Team and Youth Aid Foundation organised an event on October 23, 2021, for mainstreaming livelihoods of urban and rural communities.

The event was inaugurated by Ms. Mini Bedi, Managing Trustee, Development Support Team (DST), Mr Mathew Mattam, Founder, and Ms Sonia Garcha, Board Member, Youth Aid Foundation (YAF) inaugurated an event, along with our community micro entrepreneurs.

Ms Bedi shared her thoughts on how collaboration is the key to sustainable development. "A sincere effort to build bridges between the corporate sector and development agencies is required for community building activities."

Industry stalwart, Mr Pradeep Bhargava, ex-MD Cummins and ex-President of the MCCIA, said “Compliments for organising a very meaningful and impact full platform. And kudos for the passion and tenacity for the cause.” 

The objective 

Parama Naturals, a brand owned by Satvayur Naturals LLP, has always tried to combine the goodness of two worlds and provide the best of products. Be it amalgamating Ayurveda with Aromatherapy or traditional formulations with modern technology, and now festive gifting of wellness products with inclusivity and empowerment. In an endeavour to mainstream livelihoods, Parama Naturals has introduced the special Diwali Abhyanga Snana Collection with Diyas and Fairy lights made by community women.

The collaborative effort

With wellness and sustainability in place, Parama Naturals is diving further to advance community livelihoods by creating physical platforms and initiating bonds between corporate and communities.

Ms Geeta Prakash, Founder Parama Naturals said “Ideals of inclusivity and sustainability are core to the Parama Philosophy. We have incorporated these aspects since inception. During the pandemic, we supported revival of livelihoods by providing digital spaces for marketing their products. As a next step, Parama Naturals is showcasing handcrafted products by urban and rural community entrepreneurs to larger audiences. Our events is providing them a much needed exposure to come direct in contact with people from different walks of life. It gives them the confidence to interact with others and come out from behind invisible walls, and get connected to mainstream urban society. Parama Naturals is broadening its own scope to enable sustainable bonds between corporates and communities."

 

The outcome

For the event, Parama provided Manisha, a flower vendor from Alandi, a platform to showcase her skills for floral decorations. This was her very first “corporate event” and her work was not only appreciated, and many of the visitors took her contacts for connecting with her later for decorations at their own events. 

Overall, the event was a huge success. The positivity and energy was palpable by everyone who came into contact with each other – those who visited and those who organised!

Dr Bina Nidmarti, appreciating the effort said, “It was an enlightening experience for me. Your support and encouragement to these women means a lot. They derive strength from you and your team."

Women micro-entrepreneurs Manisha and Alkatai, Mitali from Youth Aid Foundation and the organising team from Parama Naturals all experienced  increased confidence and renewed enthusiasm to do more.

Next steps

At events like these, microentrepreneurs are able to create linkages directly through interactions with customers, develop confidence by explaining about their products and services, sharing their stories, and finally, exploring opportunities for business development.

Mr Mukund Naik, a business owner, said “these are the kinds of events when we find out what different types of people are doing, so that we can avail of their products and services at some other point in time.” 

Mr Hitendra Singh, a senior level corporate executive, who has been working for many years incubating start-ups, said "Many products claim to be au naturale - very few are. Earlier, you would have to struggle to find them but with Parama Naturals, it is so easy to buy for self or for gifting this Diwali. They are my choice of gift for this Diwali, also because they work in collaborative partnerships for community livelihoods."

We look forward to your support in enabling corporate community partnerships and buying products which help the communities too!

“In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in the business, but in fact the very existence of it.” – Jamshetji Tata