Kosala, the social enterprise of Hindalco Industries Limited, has opened its first flagship retail store in Greater Kailash, New Delhi, marking a significant step in its effort to scale the indigenous Kosa silk ecosystem in Chhattisgarh.
The boutique, located in the N Block market, was inaugurated by Rajashree Birla, chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, in the presence of Hindalco Managing Director Satish Pai and actor Yami Gautam Dhar.
Launched in 2021, Kosala aims to revive and expand the traditional Kosa silk craft practiced by the Dewangan community. The new store is intended to connect rural artisans with urban consumers while positioning the heritage textile within a sustainable luxury framework.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Birla said the initiative reflects the group’s commitment to trusteeship and community development. She added that revitalising Kosa silk is helping artisan families — particularly women — secure sustainable livelihoods while preserving India’s cultural heritage.
The company says the programme has delivered measurable grassroots impact. In FY25, 31 weaver families secured full-time engagement, while 130 artisans were employed across pre-loom and post-loom activities. Full-time weavers recorded a 63% rise in income during the year. Overall, 379 artisans were engaged and 100 newly trained, taking the cumulative number of beneficiaries to more than 700 since inception.
Kosala has also expanded capacity-building initiatives, including natural dye training for rural youth, embroidery and sewing programmes for women, and advanced weaving certification in partnership with industry bodies.
Hindalco said the flagship store represents a scalable rural enterprise model that combines market access, skill development and infrastructure investment to strengthen India’s traditional textile economy while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
