Shilpa Trust is based in Bangalore, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Shilpa works with economically disadvantaged artisans, many of whom have not had access to education. The Managing Trustee of Shilpa Trust, Mr. M. Bhupathy, has been active within India’s fair trade community and is himself an accomplished craftsperson. He originally learned wood carving and turning from his father, who earning his living as an artisan. Bhupathy observed the business practices of retail agents in the community, and decided he wanted to bypass these intermediaries and create an organization that would be of more benefit for artisans. He established Shilpa Trust in 1992. Shilpa Trust provides artisans with children's educational assistance, free health check-ups, social security insurance, a loan program, skill training and product development.
