Thrift shop offers great buys, funds students

Chennai: Where else would you find a beautiful Buddha statue at Rs 5,000, when the actual cost is four times that or a tamboolam bag made from a rich brocade material for Rs 30? Did we mention the beautiful floor mats just at Rs 70? And did we even really miss out on branded tops that cost just Rs 150 here?

The saying ‘one person’s trash is another’s treasure’ couldn’t be truer at Nalamum Anbum Thedum Penn Ulagam (Natpu), a thrift shop off TTK road, Alwarpet, which visions to promote equality and well-being for all humanity.
Apart from being a thrift shop, the organisation also promotes and uplifts the ‘women community’ by empowering them with knowledge and skill.

“We run the shop based on the philosophy of ‘Less is More and Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’. More than just a tool to raise funds, our thrift shop actively propagates the idea of minimising possessions and encourages people to give away superfluous articles and clothes,” said Maya Narasimhan, founder of Natpu.

Started with around 10 people, in 1987, with the funding amount of Rs 1,000 in total, the organisation currently raises an average of Rs 2 lakh per year which is used in providing scholarship for the underprivileged school students.

“We have everything people would love to buy at affordable cheap rates. Nothing is ever thrown into garbage. Everything is recycled and sold,” added Maya.
Sarees that generally cost more than Rs 15,000 are sold for Rs 3,000 making it a great deal for middle class people. The amount they earn from the thrift shop is used for providing scholarships for children.

Tailoring classes are taken for women helping them to earn little profits and support their families. “People come to us because they believe in us. We expose our students to learn everything practically,” said S. Jayalakshmi, a member of Natpu.

“We actually feel like home when we come here. The way they teach and  care for us really binds us,” said S. Nirmala, student of the tailoring class.