Understanding The Reasons for Failure and Probable Solutions of Allahabad Moonjkari Works (Local Handicraft Using Waste Green Material): A Study in Sustainable Social Entrepreneurship

Allahabad Moonjkari Works was established in 2016 by Dr. Saumya Bahadur in Prayagraj under the Blossoms Goonj Society as an experiment in sustainable social entrepreneurship. The project sought to revive and promote moonj craft—an indigenous, eco-friendly art form made from wild moonj grass that grows naturally along the banks of the Yamuna River. This grass possesses unique fibrous and water-resistant properties, making it ideal for creating durable, biodegradable household items. The initiative aimed to empower uneducated and unemployed rural men and women by providing them with training and employment, thereby addressing both environmental and social concerns. However, despite its strong conceptual foundation in sustainability and ethical employment generation, the model faced multiple challenges in execution. The enterprise struggled to maintain economic viability due to high transportation costs, limited access to international niche markets, and the use of non-eco-friendly chemical dyes that undermined its environmental goals. Furthermore, ensuring fair wages for artisans while keeping product prices competitive proved unsustainable within the existing market framework. This paper critically analyses the reasons behind the failure of Allahabad Moonjkari Works through the lens of the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—and identifies the systemic issues that led to its collapse. By applying creative problem-solving and sustainability frameworks, it proposes innovative and practical solutions to overcome these barriers, including process automation, eco-friendly dye innovation, cooperative-based ownership models, and strategic partnerships with wholesalers. The study concludes by presenting a universal conceptual model derived from the Moonjkari experience—a replicable structure that integrates ethical production, environmental responsibility, and financial feasibility. This model aims to serve as a guiding framework for future social enterprises seeking to transform local crafts and natural materials into sustainable economic opportunities.