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- Artisan Profiles-

TARA (Trade Alternative Reform Action)

Working in a 125-mile radius of Delhi, TARA is a fair trade program for community development and business.

The organization enables hundreds of artisans who create some of the major handicraft lines of North India to sell their products internationally. TARA is one of the pioneering Indian organizations in the field of fair wages, nonformal education programs for children and women, health and environmental awareness and further development for its member artisans. Artisan benefits from TARA include medical insurance, interest-free loans and advances, a savings program, and skills training.

TARA Projects was established in 1973 to defend the rights of the poor. Beginning in Delhi, the organization expanded to adjoining states of North India, working to eliminate unfair trade practices and child labor, fighting exploitation of artisans and supporting fair trade and human dignity. TARA Projects, one of the largest fair trade organizations in India, is a member of Fair Trade Forum India and the International Fair Trade Association. 

Global Gifts purchases a number of products, including jewelry from TARA Projects.

Facts:

  • TARA Projects was established in 1973.
  • TARA is one of the largest fair trade organizations in India.
  • 35 community-based artisan groups and extended family workshops in north India are members of TARA.
  • TARA benefits 1,000 artisans.
  • The organization supports human dignity, fair wages, environmental awareness, participative decision-making, empowerment of women, elimination of child labor and equal opportunity for all.
  • TARA holds workshops to advise, assist and train producers.
  • TARA runs a number of nonformal schools, vocational training centers and adult literacy centers.
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Artisan TARA

Filigree Fun Earrings from India: $16
Fun and fashion forward—cut metal brass is light and playful with a touch of color. Indian artistry for your enjoyable day.

Find these and other holiday previews at Global Gifts.

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