Unnati Silks is a saga of HANDLOOMS FOR WOMEN& that began in 1980. Three decades hence it has transformed from a single shop entity to become a family enterprise with extended arms and global operations. An experience of three decades plus in silk and cotton textiles Unnati has carved out a niche presence for itself in being the manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer and exporter of genuine silk cotton handlooms like sarees, salwar suits, kurtas, kurtis and other Indian ethnic fabrics. This has thereby created for it, a sizable domestic market from across the country and overseas. Having a product range that is as varied as it is vast, handwoven and handcrafted, the devotion and dedication of talented ethnic artisans from across 21 states of India comes through in the products on display.
Mr. Devendra Gopal Ladha is the CEO & Managing Director of the business entity called Unnati Silk Prints Pvt. Ltd. Popularly known as the pioneer and founding member of his brainchild Unnati Silks, he has nurtured a single room effort in handlooms, begun in 1980, which today has blossomed into a well-managed family enterprise with global operations. Right from his student days he had developed a love for handlooms; fabrics that he considered as pure, having a smooth touch and vibrant feel. Distant relatives were already in the business of selling fabrics, most of which were handlooms.
Mr.Ladha travelled a lot, many a time over days, covering rural destinations that had weavers and traditional craftsmen, who eked out their existence through the making of silk and cotton handlooms that took time to weave, got little remuneration, faced the brunt of cheaper arty fabrics and kept on doing what they knew in silent misery and a hope for better days to come.
Unnati recently sent me NARAYANPET COTTON SAREE. I have shared a few pictures below but lets first get into the intricacies of the NARAYANPET. Narayanpet is a municipal town and revenue division in Mahboobnagar district of Telangana, India. Approximately 165 Km from Hyderabad, the state Capital, this town is known for its special brand of handloom silk and cotton sarees and also famous for its gold ornamental work. Click here for more options on NARAYANPET sareees.
The saree I wore is absolutely gorgeous. Despite a cotton saree, I had the fear of not having straight pleats but the pleats remained intact. Definitely love the material. You can access the online store here. Never have I ever came across to an online store with rich and gorgeous sarees at a pocket friendly price.
Unnati under Mr.Ladha and his strong team of 200 plus, has grown from strength to strength over the years, added landmarks like offline stores at Hyderabad, added a manufacturing unit, printing units, an online website in its ‘Unnati’ or progress ahead. But has never given up its passion for handlooms nor changed its vision of contributing in the nation’s effort to better the conditions of the ethnic practitioner.
I request you all to take a look at Unnati Silks. Kindly support Indian small businesses and help them grow.
-Esquire