Treasures from the heart of India

Resonating with the name of the city is ‘Uru’, an art and craft venture started by Nirmitha Reddy a few years back, where she designs and develops quirky products that are Indian in design. Belonging to the native land, these items are created in close collaboration with artisans from all across the country. And each merchandise has a unique story to tell. “When we started, we mostly catered to corporate gifts and souvenirs. However, after completing my MBA, when I returned to the venture, I wanted to take it ahead and expand further. Keen on trying out new things, I also added home decor products to ‘Uru’,” says Nirmitha.

In the decor section, there are lotus tealight candle holders, handcrafted terracotta planters for gardens, garden sticks, hangings and quirky handpainted kettles which, Nirmitha says, can be used as watering cans. “We also have a Ganesha series that can be used to deck up the office table. Each of our items comes with a story or writeup explaining the connect with India, its significance and use,” details Nirmitha.

The dining decor comprises Channapatna products — wine stoppers, salt ‘n’ pepper shakers and Mathrushka nesting dolls in Coorgi designs and Indian ‘raja and rani’ set. “Our products are quirky and can add a dash of fun to any space. They mirror the typical kitsch, charming and powerful symbols of our grand subcontinent, encapsulating a bit of quaint India,” adds Nirmitha.

Those who visit the country are usually keen on carrying back with them a slice of the vibrant culture. To cater to those, they have mementos like peacock and elephant brass showpieces. “These can be stuck on a wooden base which can be customised,” she explains. A range of souvenirs like miniature ‘tulsi’ pots which can be used as pen stands, a train station ‘chai’ set and ‘henna plates’ to be used as tealight holders (with real ‘henna’ powder on ceramic plates) are also available at ‘Uru’.

“We are constantly working on our designs and try to evolve with every new piece we create. The response that we have received for our designs has been great and that’s one of the things that encourages us to keep innovating,” says Nirmitha.