We spend too much time trying to win the game, and too little figuring out which game to play.
— Leon Kaushik, Founder & Executive Director
Leon's journey from enabling the machine-made synthetic fibre industry with technology to founding a movement for preserving the ancient silk heritage of North East India is proof that one person can spark lasting change.
A Message from Our Founder
I remember the rhythmic clack of the loom being the heartbeat of the villages I visited as a child in the North East. It was more than a sound; it was the soundtrack of a community's pride.
But over the years, I saw that heartbeat begin to falter. I met master artisans, who are the keepers of a 1,000-year-old silk heritage, who were now being forced to abandon their looms because tradition alone couldn't pay for healthcare or their children's education.
As the climate shifts, the ancient rhythm of our silk cycles is breaking; leaving our artisans without a harvest and our heritage without a future.
We recognize that poverty in our weaving clusters is a symptom of a changing climate. To restore the artisan's income, we must first restore their environment.
I didn't start Integral for 'charity'. I started it because—
Heritage deserves a seat at the table of the modern economy.
We built this foundation on a model of radical accountability. Our 80/20 Framework ensures that while we grow, the focus remains where it belongs: in the field.
Every decision I make is driven by one question: Does this move an artisan closer to a dignified, self-sustaining life?
I invite you to join us in this Integral Movement. Not just as a donor, but as a partner in rebuilding the future of the North East, one thread at a time.
Leon Kaushik
Founder & Executive Director, Integral Foundation
Leon's Personal Guarantee
"I personally oversee the allocation of our funds. 80% of your contribution is contractually obligated to field operations. I am here to ensure your trust is honored."
Direct to Field Operations
Our 80/20 Framework Guarantee