New Delhi, February 24, 2026: Kosala, the social enterprise of Hindalco Industries Limited, has launched its first flagship retail store in Greater Kailash (N Block), New Delhi. The opening marks an expansion of its Kosa silk initiative aimed at strengthening the indigenous silk value chain in Chhattisgarh.
Kosala was launched in 2021 to revive and promote the traditional Kosa silk craft practiced by the Dewangan community. The new boutique was inaugurated by Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, in the presence of senior leadership from Hindalco Industries Limited and Kosala Foundation.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Rajashree Birla said, “Kosala reflects our deep commitment to trusteeship, nurturing communities while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. By revitalising the art of Kosa silk, we are empowering artisan families, especially women, with sustainable livelihoods and renewed pride in their craft. This store serves as a bridge between rural skill and global appreciation.”
According to the company, Kosala has empowered over 700 artisans across Raigarh and Janjgir-Champa districts in Chhattisgarh since its inception. In FY25, 31 weaver families secured full-time engagement, while 130 artisans were employed across pre-loom and post-loom processes. The enterprise reported a 63% increase in income for full-time weavers due to year-round engagement. During the year, 379 artisans were engaged and 100 were newly trained.
Mr. Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited and Director, Kosala Foundation, said, “Kosala is anchored in two core beliefs, reviving the indigenous legacy of Kosa silk and restoring economic dignity, recognition, and continuous skill advancement to its original custodians, the Dewangan community. This store is not merely a retail milestone; it reaffirms our long-term commitment to strengthening the artisan ecosystem and enabling weaver families to thrive with pride and purpose. We continue to prioritise the well-being of artisans and their families by extending individual life insurance coverage, expanding structured training to bring more weavers into the fold, and reimagining Kosa through a thoughtful blend of time-honoured techniques and consciously designed collections for the modern consumer.”
Capacity-building initiatives include training rural youth in natural dyeing, providing sewing and embroidery skills to women in collaboration with institutional partners, certifying Dewangan women in Kosa reeling, and offering advanced weaving training through the Weavers’ Service Centre in Raigarh.
Kosala operates as part of Hindalco’s broader sustainable development initiatives in Chhattisgarh, integrating skill development, market access and infrastructure support to strengthen artisan livelihoods.
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