Tara (Trade Alternative Reform Action) projects serves economically disadvantaged artisans and craftsmen in Delhi, Northern India. This organization has constantly remained an active catalyst in the fight against exploitation, poverty and illiteracy. When artisans are poor, they lack rights and are subject to social injustices created by unfair trade and middlemen ship practices. “Make Trade Fair” has always been the principal goal for ushering in social and economic transformation at Tara Projects.
Tara Projects is funding and maintaining a number of non-formal schools, vocational training centres and several adult literacy centres. They also organize many campaigns promoting the injustices against child and bonded labour. Tara Projects has been a leading advocate for the elimination of child labour, illiteracy, unfair trade practices and environmental issues in India.
There are ten organised groups of craftspeople. Each group specializes in different crafts. There are the ladies groups who specialize in the hand embroideries and hand beading. They make the most exquisite Christmas decorations, jewellery, and fashion accessories. The lac work is the special craft for another group. Their intricately decorated mirrors and containers are very popular. There are three groups of male artisans, assisting 250 families who specialize in the stonework. They intricately hand carve a variety of stones including sandstone, marble, palewa, gorara and granite. The finished products, some with mother of pearl inlay, are breathtaking. Tara Projects have built a room with dust sucking ventilation for the protection of the stone artisans. Tara Projects is a secular and democratic organization, dedicated to serving and uplifting the oppressed. Tara Projects is a member of International Federation Alternate Trade.
