In today's era, women leaders play a pivotal role in driving societal change and innovation. Among them stands Dr. Megha Phansalkar, Founder of Tisser, a beacon of empowerment and inspiration. With 20 years of experience as a Regional Planner in the development sector, Dr. Phansalkar specializes in community-led initiatives, focusing on rural water supply, sanitation, and livelihood development. Her academic accolades include a gold medalist graduate and a Doctorate in 'System Design for Resource Planning and Management,' alongside multiple master's degrees. Dr. Phansalkar's remarkable journey is adorned with numerous awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Indira Gandhi Award for Women Entrepreneurship and the CSR Conclave-Excellency Award for Women Empowerment. Her leadership and commitment to social innovation continue to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of women-led entrepreneurship and societal progress. Let’s read on. 

Can you walk us through your academic history? What inspired you to pursue social entrepreneurship?

As a gold medalist graduate and recipient of a National fellowship, I pursued a Doctorate in 'System Design for Resource Planning and Management' alongside acquiring a Master's in Planning from CEPT, Ahmedabad, and a Master's in Geography and Business Administration. Recognizing the struggles faced by indigenous weavers and artisans due to lack of design and marketing support, I established a non[1]profit trust. This initiative aimed to provide these artists with a stable source of income, countering exploitation by middlemen and the proliferation of fake machine products in the market.

Guide us through your extensive and varied professional path as a social entrepreneur. What were some of the pivotal moments in your career journey?

I am an experienced Urban Regional Planner, and has dedicated 20 years to community-led development in water supply, sanitation, and livelihoods. As Founder of Tisser Artisan Trust, I empower rural artisans, emphasizing sustainability and women's empowerment. My collaborations with global organizations like the World Bank and WSSCC showcase my commitment to multi[1]stakeholder partnerships. Through Tisser, I implement a holistic change model, revitalizing Indian handloom production with design interventions and tech innovations. Key career milestones include my World Bank engagement in 2007, leadership on the WSSCC Steering Committee from 2019 to 2021, and founding Tisser in 2014. Recognized nationally and internationally, my awards highlight my impactful work in women's empowerment and artisan skill development. My leadership roles further underscore my contributions to community-led development. 
 

Tisser, meaning 'weave' in French, is an entrepreneurial venture dedicated to uplifting rural communities in India through social initiatives. By empowering women with skills and job opportunities, Tisser aims to restore the dignity of labor and revive traditional handicrafts inspired by India's rich cultural heritage. With a focus on handmade products, Tisser offers over 1000 customized items and a catalog featuring more than 2500 SKUs, including handloom fabrics, textile paintings, and various handicrafts. Committed to advocating for local artisans, women's empowerment, and entrepreneurship, Tisser has emerged as a leader in promoting slow fashion and preserving traditional arts. Since its inception in 2016, Tisser has played a crucial role in nurturing rural cultural roots through cluster development initiatives, bridging the gap between rural livelihoods and urban lifestyles. Its diverse product range encompasses clothing, home decor, accessories, and gifting options, catering to different consumer preferences while celebrating India's cultural diversity. Through collaborations with artisans and a focus on sustainability, Tisser contributes to economic development and cultural preservation in local communities.

What, in your view, are some of the most pressing challenges faced by social entrepreneurs in India? How do you address these obstacles to progress?

Social entrepreneurship, committed to positive societal or environmental transformation through business, faces numerous obstacles. These encompass funding shortages, skill deficiencies, limited support, impact measurement challenges, and work-life balance issues. To address funding gaps, diversify revenue streams and articulate clear social value propositions. Invest in skill development and seek mentorship opportunities. Foster strong support networks and engage in advocacy efforts. Implement rigorous impact measurement practices. Prioritize self-care, establish boundaries, delegate tasks, and find fulfillment in work. These strategies empower social entrepreneurs to surmount obstacles and drive meaningful societal change.

Illuminate the most significant professional milestone you've reached throughout your career. Share the guiding principles that have led to your success over time.

Renowned for our innovative approach to women's empowerment and skill development, we have garnered numerous national and international awards. Our focus lies in networking rural artisans and groups across India to establish small enterprises, bolstering the handicraft and handloom value chain through ICT innovations, and harnessing the transformative potential of rural clusters for impactful business models. Noteworthy aspects of our work include innovative designs, customization options, brand building, traceability, fusion of art forms, and social messaging. Some of our notable achievements include receiving the CSR Conclave-Excellency Award for Women Empowerment in 2023, the Ride Startup of the Year Award in 2022, and the Top Women Entrepreneurs of the Year Women Power Award in 2022, among others. These accolades recognize our commitment to fostering positive change and empowerment within communities while showcasing our dedication to excellence and innovation in our field.

Share with us the influence of your alma mater, Symbiosis International University, on your personal and professional development.

Within this framework, Symbiosis International University acts as a hub for networking, exchanging experiences, and motivating present students through the achievements of notable alumni. In my role, I strive to embody the essence of fostering a supportive and encouraging academic environment, motivating students to excel in their chosen pursuits.

Megha Phansalkar, Founder,  Tisser

Dr. Megha Phansalkar, an alumna of Symbiosis International University, epitomizes empowerment. Through her success, she motivates students, advocating for excellence and fostering a supportive educational environment. She demonstrates the university's role as a platform for networking and sharing experiences, inspiring future generations to excel.