A Bus Ride That Changed Everything
In 2016, as a postgraduate student at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Pooja Kaul was juggling the stress of assignments and the uncertainty of her future. One hot afternoon, on a crowded government bus in Solapur, Maharashtra, she spotted something unusual outside the window, a herd of donkeys trotting beside their owners.
Curious, she asked the driver to stop. That spontaneous moment led her to the Lashkar community, migrant workers who rely on donkeys for hauling loads at brick kilns and construction sites.
“Despite working all day, these families earned just ₹300–₹400. Their donkeys, essential for survival, often went underfed and neglected,” Pooja recalls.
Her college project soon transformed into something far bigger: a mission to bring dignity, income, and opportunity to donkey-owning families.
Donkey Milk: From Stigma to Skincare Gold
Pooja discovered that donkey milk, rare and nutrient-rich, was often overlooked in India despite its global reputation for health and skincare benefits.
Initially, the idea met resistance.
“Families thought I’d use the milk for black magic, and their donkeys would die,” she laughs.
But Pooja persisted. She spent six months visiting families daily, slowly gaining trust. When selling donkey milk directly proved challenging, she pivoted transforming it into handmade, sustainable skincare products.
Birth of Organiko: Skincare With a Purpose
With just ₹26,000 in personal savings (originally set aside for a Goa trip!) and a crowdfunding boost of ₹34,000, Pooja created her first batch of 250 soaps. Exhibitions in Delhi gave her validation that customers loved the products, and Organiko was born.
Why Donkey Milk in Skincare?
Donkey milk is packed with:
- Vitamins A, B, D & E – boost skin regeneration
- Essential fatty acids – deeply nourish & hydrate
- Anti-inflammatory properties – calm acne & redness
- Gentle proteins – perfect for sensitive skin
In soaps, it creates a luxurious, creamy lather that cleans without drying leaving skin soft, smooth, and glowing.
A Sustainable Business Model That Changes Lives
Today, Organiko offers soaps, face packs, and is expanding into sunscreens, serums, and creams. Products are priced between ₹350 and ₹1,400, and the brand now ships 500+ orders monthly across India.
But beyond sales, Organiko is changing lives:
- Families’ monthly incomes have risen from ₹5,000 to ₹14,000.
- Over 150 donkey-owning families in Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh are supported.
- Farmers earn around ₹1,300 per litre of donkey milk, a product once dismissed as worthless.
“Earlier, donkey milk had no demand. Now, I can feed my family, care for my donkeys, and even afford a fan at home,” says Shahid, a 27-year-old partner from Hapur.
Key Takeaways from Pooja’s Journey
- Look differently at what’s overlooked – true opportunity lies in the undervalued.
- Sustainability includes people and animals – ethical practices matter.
- Persistence builds trust – six months of conversations built the foundation.
- Social entrepreneurship isn’t charity – it’s about building viable, impactful businesses.
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