Bamboo First: Rooted in Tradition, Growing towards Empowerment
Welcome to Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog Producer Company Limited. At Bamboo First, we fuse tradition with innovation to create a green revolution led by the strength and spirit of tribal women.
Our journey is rooted in history yet forward-thinking. Bamboo, a symbol of resilience and positivity, has been integral to our heritage for centuries. In 2004, visionary leader Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee recognised its potential to transform lives and economies. We've been committed to realising that vision ever since our inception in 2019.
With the support of Keshav Srushti, we launched the Keshav Srushti Gram Vikas Yojana in 2017, empowering farmers through groundbreaking solutions like solar-powered irrigation. That same year, a pivotal change occurred when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reclassified bamboo as grass, allowing for its unrestricted harvesting—a significant shift from its previous classification as a tree during British times, which made bamboo harvesting punishable.
In 2019, Project Green Gold came to life. We trained tribal women from a village in Vikramgad taluka in the art of bamboo craftsmanship. One full year of dedication resulted in our first widely accepted product with mass appeal, the bamboo rakhi, launched in June 2020. Even during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, our community delivered over 51,000 rakhis and expanded our product line to over 50 utility-based bamboo items across various categories like general gifting, corporate gifting, mementos, festival products, kitchen items, toys, etc. Our design capabilities were further validated with an international order of 500 auto rickshaws from the UK.
On Gudi Padwa in 2023, we officially became Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog Producer Company Limited and launched Bamboo First. Today, we are India’s first 100% tribal owned bamboo enterprise, with over 253 shareholder artisans. 80% of our shareholders are tribal women, showcasing our deep community roots.
At Bamboo First, we stand for three essential E's: Environment, Empowerment, and Employment. We are dedicated to nurturing the environment through sustainable bamboo practices, empowering tribal women by honing their skills and providing them with leadership opportunities, and creating meaningful employment that drives economic growth within our communities. This commitment to the three E's is not just part of our story—it is our story.
Tribal women artisans presenting their handcrafted bamboo creations.
Mann Ki Baat
Episode 96
SOURCE: PMINDIA.GOV.IN
“मेरे प्यारे देशवासियों, देश के अनेक क्षेत्र में बांस से अनेक सुन्दर और उपयोगी चीजें बनाई जाती हैं। विशेष रूप से आदिवासी क्षेत्रों में बांस के कुशल कारीगर, कुशल कलाकार हैं। जब से देश ने बैम्बू से जुड़े अंग्रेजों के जमाने के कानूनों को बदला है, इसका एक बड़ा बाज़ार तैयार हो गया है। महाराष्ट्र के पालघर जैसे क्षेत्रों में भी आदिवासी समाज के लोग बैम्बू से कई खुबसूरत PRODUCTS बनाते हैं। बैम्बू से बनने वाले BOXES, कुर्सी, चायदानी, टोकरियाँ, और ट्रे जैसी चीजें खूब लोकप्रिय हो रही हैं। इससे आदिवासी महिलाओं को रोजगार भी मिल रहा है, और उनके हुनर को पहचान भी मिल रही है।”
A Message from Shri Bimal Kedia
Dear Patrons,
It gives me immense pleasure & satisfaction while sharing with you the successful 5 years of socio-economic transformation led by Keshav Srushti through its bamboo-based skill & entrepreneurship development initiatives, specially designed to empower tribal women. It’s a journey of a social initiative ‘Project Green Gold’ paving the way for a unique social bamboo enterprise ‘Vikramgad Bamboo Udyog Producer Company Limited’ (VBUPCL).
The striking feature of this company is that it is probably the only company which is fully Owned & Managed by Tribal people (Mainly Women). The CEO is a Tribal Youth and all its Directors are Tribal Women. It has 253 tribal bamboo artisans as shareholders.
I personally invite you to witness this powerful journey of Empowerment at few of our villages and become part of this movement. Look forward to your association in making this movement stronger and more impactful.
Regards,
Bimal Kedia
Trustee – Keshav Srushti
253 Shareholders
The journey which started with only one village and 25 Tribal women in Vikramgad block of Palghar District in 2019, has grown to support 23 villages and 700+ Tribal people, mainly women.
Life-Changing Transformation:
- ✓ Self Reliance & Financial Stability
- ✓ Increased Self-Confidence & Respectful Livelihood
- ✓ Significant reduction in migration from villages to cities
- ✓ Development of Local Tribal Women Leadership
- ✓ A proud journey from Labourers to Entrepreneurs
- ✓ Retention & promotion of local art, craft, and culture
Uplifting Communities
To lead the bamboo revolution with exceptional products that honour our heritage. We uplift our community through sustainable livelihoods, drive economic growth, and champion self-reliance. Our mission is also deeply rooted in environmental stewardship, addressing climate change through sustainable practices, and contributing to a greener, more resilient world.
Global Innovation
To revolutionise the global bamboo industry by empowering tribal women to lead with innovation, sustainability, and cultural pride. We aim to fuse tradition with technology, delivering premium products while preserving local traditions.
Project Milestones
Artisan Empowerment
Empowered 700 artisans across 23 tribal villages from March 2019 to June 2024, fostering craftsmanship.
₹80 Lakhs Business
Generated ₹80,00,000 in business revenue, driven entirely by the skill and dedication of tribal women.
200,000+ Rakhis
Supplied over 2 lakh bamboo rakhis, spreading joy and sustainable traditions far and wide.
10,000+ Diwali Kandils
Delivered over 10,000 beautiful bamboo Diwali kandils, illuminating countless celebrations.
Plantation Growth
Planted 6,000+ bamboo saplings, now thriving as over 60,000 mature bamboo stalks securing the future.
International Reach
Expanded our eco-friendly bamboo crafts to 5 countries: USA, UK, Russia, Germany, and Italy.
Did You Know?
On average, a hectare of bamboo plantation is believed to absorb 17 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Annual plywood production in India is 8 lakh cubic meters; if one fourth of this is replaced with bamboo, 8000 hectares of forest would be saved!
CO2 Absorbed Per Hectare Annually
Future Prospects with Bamboo
Bamboo Housing
Building eco-resorts, houses, airports, and metro stations using structural bamboo.
Bamboo Textiles
Transforming bamboo fibers into premium high-quality fabrics and clothing.
Bamboo Wood
A sustainable alternative to hardwood for flooring, paper, and plywood.
Bamboo Bio-Fuel
Leading biofuel generation with bamboo ethanol, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.