"Do not go where the path leads, Go where there is no path And, leave a trail…"

Born and brought up observing exploitations on the poor by the rich, Mr. Nand Kishore Chaudhary dreams of equalizing society by uplifting the underprivileged and deprived communities of India. After completing graduation in commerce, Mr. NK Chaudhary realized his potential of exploring new avenues to fulfill his dream. Carpet weaving fascinated him, as it offered a beautiful mix of art, science, culture, heritage, enterprise management and social entrepreneurship. By using his sharp business acumen and a heart of gold, he envisioned a model of social entrepreneurship, which would reinstate the dying art of carpet weaving. Simultaneously, it would empower lives of underprivileged artisans in India.

The journey of Jaipur Rugs Company Pvt. Ltd has bitter-sweet memories – of being cheated by close memories and yet surmounting hurdles – getting the right set of people with the right set of skills and grooming them to think and act like businessmen with a social cause.

Beginning in 1978, with just two looms, he knotted carpets himself and involved artisans from nearby villages. Over time, his younger brother joined and they decided to work with the tribal communities of Gujarat. Exports of these hand knotted carpets were a big leap, which changed the face of the Indian carpet industry. After 13 years in Gujarat, he returned to Jaipur to set up his independent firm, and then returned to Jaipur to set up his independent firm Jaipur Carpets. In 2006, Jaipur Carpets was re-named as Jaipur Rugs Company Pvt. Ltd (JRCPL).

Through hard work, determination, commitment and sacrifices, the business developed as one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of hand-knotted rugs worldwide, with a growth rate of 40-50 percent per annum in the last four years. In 1999, the turnover of JRCPL stood at Rs 4.72 cr. Over the years, it has achieved a jump of Rs 65.00 cr. in 2008-09. Within next 4 years, the Company aims to achieve a target of Rs.1.14 billion. Under his leadership, the Company has changed the lives of over 40,000 artisans across ten states of India.

Today, the organization’s culture speaks of passion, equality, self-learning and innovative minds and aims to carry forward the traditional values. The work place is considered sacred and pure – a place where each employee devotedly pours his heart and soul. The organizational values encourage leadership at all levels, which means that each employee can view the company as an extension of himself.

Mr. NK Chaudhary believes in nurturing rural artisans to become self-employed and self-sufficient with control on their lives. With this vision, he established Jaipur Rugs Foundation (JRF) in 2004. JRF is mandated to achieve equity for the communities in which artisans live, by increasing opportunities for employment, employability & entrepreneurship among the poorest of the poor - tribal, SC/ST, BPL & other backward communities through cluster development, skill up-gradation, design inputs, market linkages, technical support including provision & ownership of handlooms and establishment of rural business hubs. Additionally, JRF seeks social empowerment for these communities through convergence with other like-minded organizations and individuals. This could facilitate and establish linkages of communities with government schemes and other developmental programmes.

Mr. NK Chaudhary sets new and higher standards of excellence every single day. He believes that when each day goes at least one-step deeper to enhance productivity, then each day one enjoys a different level of prosperity. Mr. NK Chaudhary has embarked on this everlasting journey of self-excellence and prosperity.