Empowering Tribal Entrepreneurs through Innovation and Tradition
Hailing from the Oraon tribe in Bagdogra, West Bengal, Mamta Kumudini Bara is an innovative entrepreneur who defied the conventional path right after graduating from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Instead of pursuing a corporate career, she founded Social Noodle Media Pvt Ltd., a digital marketing and web development company based in Siliguri. However, Mamta’s aspirations went beyond running a business.
Observing the hidden potential in her tribal team, she took it upon herself to teach them the art of punch needling and rug-making, sparking a movement that transformed lives. This led to the creation of Jayir, a marketplace dedicated exclusively to tribal artisans. With a mission to empower tribal entrepreneurs, Jayir ensures that every product is crafted and sold by tribal communities, offering them direct market access while preserving their cultural heritage.
Currently, Mamta is part of the prestigious NSRCEL Women Startup Program at IIM Bangalore, where she is refining her strategies and scaling Jayir. With a vision to fuse tradition with technology, she aims to showcase the rich craftsmanship of India’s indigenous communities while promoting fair compensation and economic growth.
Mamta’s work exemplifies how entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for social impact, community empowerment, and cultural preservation.