Surya recently was honored with a Global Goodness Award for its charitable outreach and promotion of sustainable practices. Sponsored by Las Vegas Market, the semi-annual awards program was launched in 2013 to recognize furniture, gift and home decor companies who demonstrate eco-friendly, sustainable and socially responsible activities.
Surya actively supports economic opportunity for the more than 50,000 weavers and artisans that it employs in Northern India, and empowers women by providing fair wages and a safe working environment. Recognizing the role of education as a catalyst for social mobility, the company annually sponsors high school scholarships for 200 Indian girls through East Meets West and vocational training for 160 students through Project Mala. Additionally, Surya partners with Akshaya Patra to provide 7,300 children in rural India with nutritious lunches to help keep them in school and participates each year in the “Miles for Meals” half-marathon to raise additional funds for the organization. Surya’s sustainability initiatives include the use of natural dyes and sustainable materials such as wool, cotton, jute and sisal across its product lines, along with recycled materials such as denim, leather, tires and sari silk.
“At Surya, one of our core values is to ‘make a difference’ by positively impacting the environment, society and communities in which we operate whenever possible,” said Satya Tiwari, president, Surya. “Through a focus on social stewardship, both in India and locally in Calhoun, as well as the use of environmentally-friendly materials and processes, we are changing lives for the better every day. We are truly honored to receive this important recognition.”
Award winners were selected by a panel of independent judges that included Claire Johnson, Managing Editor, Giftware News; Julie McCallum, Editor in Chief, Gift Shop Magazine, and Caroline Kennedy, Editor in Chief, Gifts and Decorative Accessories.
