In a world often plagued by unrest and inequality, certain individuals stand out as beacons of hope, quietly weaving resilience, dignity, and opportunity into the lives of those who need it most. One such individual is Monish Karam, a visionary entrepreneur originally from Manipur and currently based in Singapore. Karam is not only redefining the power of social entrepreneurship but also changing the narrative for displaced women in conflict-torn regions of India.
Monish Karam: From Silicon Dreams to Human Impact
Monish Karam is no stranger to success. A computer science graduate and MBA alumnus of the prestigious National University of Singapore, he carved his niche in the tech world early on. His app Jobsenz revolutionised the job search experience for thousands in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, offering a platform that connects job seekers with coaching centres, resume-building tools, and exam preparation—all from a single mobile interface.
Yet even amid this digital success, Karam’s heart remained rooted in Manipur, a place that shaped his values and aspirations. So when ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, forcing thousands into relief camps and stripping many women of their livelihoods, Karam didn’t just watch from afar—he acted.
The Birth of Project Stitching Hope
“After conflict suddenly broke out… we wanted to do something sustainable for the affected people,” said Monish Karam in a recent interview. This desire led to Project Stitching Hope, a bold initiative under his tech venture’s social impact arm, 1 Million Heroes (IMH).
The project trains displaced Manipuri women to create handcrafted crochet dolls, which are then marketed globally. The aim is simple yet profound: build a sustainable source of income for women who have lost everything.
It all began with inspiration drawn from a small crocheted doll owned by Karam’s daughter. Recognising the incredible skill in handloom and craft among Manipuri women, Karam envisioned a way for their artistry to reach global audiences, not as charity, but as commerce rooted in dignity.
Monish Karam: Empowering Through Simplicity
One of the biggest challenges in post-conflict zones is the complexity of economic recovery. Many women had already attempted to make products like candles, incense sticks, and soaps, only to struggle with sales and logistics. Karam and his team decided to streamline this process.
“We decided to take care of the complexities involved in selling the dolls—sales support, branding, marketing, collaborations—so the women could just focus on making the dolls,” explained Karam. By removing the friction points, Project Stitching Hope became not just an initiative but a lifeline.
Today, the project engages more than 40 women from Bishnupur and Kakching districts, producing both animal-themed dolls, such as dogs, cats, and bears, and culturally inspired figures like Radha and Krishna. Raw materials and logistics are all managed by the IMH team, allowing the artisans to focus purely on their craft.
A Ripple Effect of Kindness and Collaboration
Stories from Project Stitching Hope go far beyond economics. In one touching instance, a woman from Uttar Pradesh—married to a senior Indian Army officer—purchased dolls in bulk and sold them within her community. The proceeds? All were sent back to the displaced women. Such acts of compassion and solidarity are a testament to the universal appeal and emotional weight of these tiny handmade figures.
“These dolls are not mere dolls. We believe they are symbols of hope and vessels of storytelling,” Karam shared. And indeed, each thread woven into these creations carries with it a tale of resilience, courage, and the unbreakable spirit of Manipuri women.
A Vision for the Future
For Karam, this project is just the beginning. He believes in leveraging technology as a great equaliser, especially in underrepresented regions like the Northeast of India. “Our basic mindset has to change. Startups or entrepreneurs are wealth and job creators… I hope to see North East India becoming a major growth force for India’s 21st century,” he said.
Also Read : India-Australia Trade Pact Stalls Over Dairy and Wine Tariffs