Irakoi stands to mean two distinct worlds.  IRA stands for Indian Rural Arts, Ira is also a name given for peace, love, prosperity, happiness.  Koi on the other hand stands for the Japanese garden fish Koi.  Koi also symbolizes luck, prosperity and happiness. Fish also symbolizes peace, luck and happiness in the Indian culture.  Together Irakoi aims to build a bridge or a fusion between these two very beautiful, different and unique worlds.

 

The fusion that Irakoi aims to connect is very deep.  Indian arts that are traditional have been thriving in the country since ancient times.  India is an old country, few of the oldest cities are still existing here. Some of them even with the age old infrastructure and the grand and beautifully hand carved architecture.  Irakoi aims to bring out the history and culture of India, in a very simple manner, and make the world aware of its hidden jewels.

 

Started in August 2018, Irakoi aims to promote Indian Rural Arts, and support the artisans who are struggling to be out of their economically challenged life.  With our support, we can give these poor artisans a better life and extend a helping hand to let them have a happier life, and give a better life to their children.  I think it is quite a sacrifice that these poor yet talented people are doing. They are sacrificing going into mainstream life, maybe earn much better, but no, these people are taking forward their age old traditional arts, that their forefathers did.  It is a family art that they are working on, and so are their children. These poor artisans love their work too much to leave it, even if it means not looking for a better life. Irakoi aims to help these artisans, earn a better livelihood and support their families in a better way by buying their products at a higher price than the prevailing market price and promoting their works worldwide.  

 

Apart from that, Irakoi also aims to support and help small scale industries, which provide employment opportunities especially to women from the weaker section of our society.  For these women, every additional income for them is giving a better life to their children, maybe buying an extra uniform, or dress, or some foods that they cannot purchase otherwise.  I want to give a mother the joy that they can provide for their children, and also bring them a few extravagant things for them, which would be just regular normal things in our lives. Various products like stoles and scarves, home decor products, products from the spiritual section are from these small scale industries and places.  Please support them by buying a product that would in turn mean a little more money in their hands, and a smile on their hardworking faces.

 

So, in this view, all my suppliers are selected who also believe and work on the same lines.  Only after careful scrutiny, I have selected my suppliers who are more from small scale industries, and are striving to work with people from the weaker section and pay them their worth and most importantly, respect.  No child labor or any kind of malpractices are involved in any of the products offered. Apart from maintaining high quality, these suppliers are also devoted to uplift the living conditions of the people they employ. No products are from  high rise manufacturers or big factory owners. Irakoi is for believing in the cause to help people. People who deserve to be appreciated and respected. The people who create and make us look or feel wonderful really need to be respected and saluted.  Irakoi is not for getting money for charity but for standing up for what each one should. Respect and love. Irakoi will never ask for aids, grants or any form of charity. Should you wish to help us, please buy our products and let us earn our respect and send you back love.  Let us extend our hand and make beautiful friendships with smiles and laughter.

 

This is my project, where I would like to give back and help my fellow countrymen in my own little way possible.  I love my country and this is my way of giving back to my beloved Motherland, India. I have taken up this journey, single handedly, and have done most of the aspects of setting up Irakoi myself.  I am ready to take up more, for this is for my country, India.

 

Also, a part of the sale is kept aside for welfare projects in the villages where these craftsmen live for their children and their families.  Plans are there to provide better living conditions, books and education for children, helping elders and so on.

 

I hope we can all appreciate products and arts of India that have been made with so much love, sacrifice and dedication.  Being based in Tokyo, Japan, I want to bring across a borderless world, full of peace, love, and beauty. Please support our artists, and the people who are working to bring across a smile to your face, with their very beautiful products.

 

Please do let me know your thoughts.  It would be great to hear from you and learn how well I can do justice to this goal.  Irakoi would love to celebrate Indian Rural Arts with you.

 

I will look forward to hearing from you.  Meanwhile, let us all pray for peace and happiness for our world.

 

Thank you,