Leading with Dedication: Pramila and Pratima at Arpan Collective
Pramila and Pratima make an ideal leadership team for Arpan, a 30‐year‐old cooperative that faces a wide range of challenges. Their unwavering hard work and quiet but firm determination set them apart.
Pramila, a founding member, oversees daily operations and manages coordination with external vendors. Pratima, who joined as a tailor three years ago, ensures that systems are followed‐no small feat when working with 27 artisans of different ages and personalities.
Pratima's journey to Arpan began during the COVID‐19 pandemic when she was searching for work. “I live in the same area and often saw women around the cooperative but never knew what they did. When I needed to earn, I started asking around, and a vegetable vendor told me about Arpan. One day, I gathered the courage to go upstairs and ask for work. I was lucky‐they were looking for tailors, and before long, I became part of the cooperative.”
Together, Pramila and Pratima bring experience, structure, and resilience to Arpan, guiding the artisans and strengthening the collective.
