Research with Bhupendra is an initiative to document and discuss social issues, PhD research, and academic insights. This platform features interviews with scholars, research presentations, and discussions on empirical studies in social work and related fields.
Hosted by: Bhupendra Pratap Singh
Series: The Soul Traveller Podcast
In this insightful episode of The Soul Traveller Podcast, we sit down with Vishakha Agrahari, Project & Design Manager at MeMeraki, to explore how design, technology, and culture are converging to empower India’s traditional artisans.
The conversation traces Vishakha’s academic and professional journey—from School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) Bhopal to the National Institute of Design (NID)—and her work at MeMeraki, where she has helped shape innovative online and offline learning models. Through masterclasses and digital platforms, rural artisans are becoming first-time digital creators, finding global audiences and sustainable livelihoods in the creator economy.
Vishakha Agrahari is a design professional working at the intersection of craft, technology, and social impact. As Project & Design Manager at MeMeraki, she plays a key role in conceptualising and executing initiatives that help traditional artisans adapt to digital platforms without losing the essence of their heritage.
Her education at SPA Bhopal and NID has shaped a design-led approach grounded in systems thinking, sustainability, and community engagement. Through her work, Vishakha contributes to reimagining how Indian crafts can thrive in contemporary global markets.
MeMeraki is a pioneering culture-tech platform that enables traditional artisans from the remotest corners of India to build a strong digital presence through content and commerce.
Key highlights of MeMeraki’s work include:
Over 16,000 patrons worldwide
The largest online collection of traditional Indian artworks
10,000+ products from 300+ master artists
Online and offline art & craft masterclasses and live learning experiences
By combining storytelling, education, and e-commerce, MeMeraki’s mission is to create sustainable livelihoods and amplify the digital voice of India’s heritage artists on a global stage.
MeMeraki was founded by Yosha Gupta, a FinTech leader with over 15 years of experience across the World Bank Group, Gates Foundation, IDEO, and multiple global startups.
A passionate advocate for Indian heritage arts, Yosha has curated and championed 100+ cultural events. She is widely recognised among Top Women in FinTech and Global Innovation Leaders, bringing strategic vision, scale, and sustainability to India’s craft and culture ecosystem.
Vishakha’s journey from SPA Bhopal to NID
Design-led approaches to craft sustainability
MeMeraki’s artisan empowerment and masterclass model
Digital transformation of traditional handicrafts
Building global markets for Indian heritage art
Design, technology, and culture as tools for social impact
As traditional crafts face challenges of visibility, market access, and intergenerational continuity, this episode highlights how thoughtful design and digital platforms can bridge the gap between heritage and modern economies.
This conversation is especially relevant for architecture and design students, NID aspirants, craft practitioners, social entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in India’s living cultural traditions.
The Soul Traveller Podcast is a platform where scholars, designers, artists, travellers, and changemakers share stories that connect creativity, culture, and social impact.
Hosted by Bhupendra Pratap Singh, the podcast documents journeys that inspire reflection, innovation, and responsible engagement with society.
Discover conversations that travel through ideas, communities, and living heritage.
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