Wed Dec 24 01:16:44 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
An Adivasi-owned enterprise called Ippimala Third Share Producer Company, supported by ACCORD, is showcasing products made by indigenous communities from the Gudalur valley at a Christmas stall in Koshy’s, Bengaluru. The stall highlights the sustainable practices of the Kattunayakan tribe, who prioritize sharing forest resources with nature and their community. The initiative, along with another called Urumala, empowers young Adivasis by creating economic opportunities that respect their culture and connection to their land. This is achieved through artisanal products, sustainable honey production, and providing skills development and marketing support, which allows the younger generations to stay connected to their communities.
News Article:
Bengaluru Christmas Stall Showcases Sustainable Adivasi Products, Empowering Indigenous Communities
Bengaluru, December 24, 2025 – A unique Christmas stall at Koshy’s on St. Mark’s Road in Bengaluru is offering ethically sourced, artisanal products made by indigenous communities from the Gudalur valley in Tamil Nadu. The stall features the work of the Ippimala Third Share Producer Company, an Adivasi-owned enterprise, and Urumala, another initiative focused on artisanal crafts.
The products, including honey, teas, coffees, and home decor items, are inspired by the traditional practices of the Kattunayakan tribe, who prioritize sustainability and resource sharing. As Don Antony Sebastian, from Ippimala explains, The Kattunayakan’s philosophy is they share what they take from the forest with everything else first, before they start to benefit themselves.
Supported by the Gudalur-based Action for Community Organisation Rehabilitation (ACCORD), these initiatives aim to create economic opportunities for young Adivasis while preserving their cultural heritage and connection to the land.
“Now that the younger generation has gone to school, the land is not enough for them,” explains Stan Thekaekara, co-founder of ACCORD. “They need more employment opportunities that will allow them to stay in the area.”
Urumala, established in 2021, has already empowered nearly 50 tribal women by providing skills training in design and production, creating products such as travel kits and home decor. Ippimala Third Share Producer Company, registered earlier this year, manages the sale of Adivasi products, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable practices.
KT Subramani, a Mullukurumba and ACCORD co-founder, emphasized the impact on women in the community: “They have picked up skills and are able to go to cities to showcase their work at exhibitions, have started saving money, learning to drive, and have even bought scooters.”
The stall, open until January 4th, offers a chance to support these communities and purchase unique, ethically made gifts. It also showcases products from partner organizations like The Real Elephant Collective (TREC) and The Elephant People, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and community collaboration.
The Christmas stall at Koshy’s provides a “from the heart of the forest to the centre of the city,” as ACCORD puts it which is giving young Adivasis a bridge from their roots to the world, and shows how they are creating their own space in the modern economy.
First Piper 