Rumble in the Wind

This piece was written as an essay for the New Generation Seminar Series ( www.eastwestcenter.org/ngs) The old piggy bank, which all of us have used in our childhood, provides an interesting metaphor during these challenging times. It conveys the principle that whatever goes in comes out (no promise of supra normal profits), that small is beautiful (Microfinance vs Big Ticket Loans) and a good product is one which is simple in its design (Thank you derivatives!). If only the Wall Street guys had one of them. Similarly, at CFM we work with our artisan groups across India to make products which are simple in design but utilitarian in nature, taking into account the need of our customers. With around 10 milllion people dependent on handicrafts in India, a slowing global economy will have a severe impact on the ability of these people who are already under tremendous strain to earn a decent meal. Handicrafts is not only about creating jobs at the community level, but has other multiplier e