Meenakshi Bhardwaj

Founder Aranyam Naturals

Unearthed Within: The Story of Meenakshi Bhardwaj and Aranyam Naturals

One woman’s journey inward revealed a world of quiet abundance waiting to be seen.

In rediscovering her purpose, Meenakshi Bhardwaj, co-founder of Aranyam Naturals, found not only her calling but also a community of women farmers in the hills of Meghalaya who had been nurturing gold all along in their earth, their hearts, and their way of life.

The Calling Beneath the Noise

In our constant race to discover the extraordinary across oceans, we often overlook the treasures quietly resting in our own backyard. India’s landscapes hold not just beauty, but also stories of resilience and resourcefulness that can redefine what progress really means.

For Meenakshi Bhardwaj, this truth unfolded unexpectedly. A management consultant by profession, armed with an MBA and a decade of corporate success, she was on a fast track to the kind of achievement society applauds. But purpose has its own plans, and sometimes, it arrives wrapped in something simple.

In 2015, at a CSR conference, a social worker from Meghalaya handed Meenakshi a small gift; turmeric and honey from her village. What seemed like a token of gratitude turned out to be a catalyst. That gesture, coupled with a heartfelt request to help local women find a market for their produce, stirred something deep within her.

“That promise I made to help even one community find recognition for their work, changed everything,” Meenakshi recalls. “It wasn’t just about business anymore. It was about purpose.”

The Birth of Aranyam

And so began Aranyam Naturals, a Delhi-based social startup dedicated to empowering tribal women farmers in Meghalaya. Today, Aranyam sources organic Lakadong turmeric, known for its exceptional curcumin levels, along with forest honey, ginger candies, and turmeric blends, all cultivated and harvested using traditional, chemical-free methods.

But the true story isn’t in the products. It’s in the people.
Villages like Mookyndang, Shanpung, and Laskein, long reliant on generational farming, found in Aranyam a partner that valued their knowledge, not as a commodity but as culture. By ensuring fair pay, consistent demand, and the preservation of indigenous techniques, Aranyam became a bridge between forgotten fields and mindful consumers.

“We always want to ensure that we source sustainably and that we provide livelihood to those we are sourcing from,” says Meenakshi. “It’s not about replacing their way of life, it’s about respecting it.”

Lessons, Leaps, and Learning Curves

Building a social enterprise is far from easy. From navigating logistics and quality control to introducing an unbranded regional product to urban markets, every step required resilience.

“Each challenge taught me something fundamental,” she says. “You can’t rush authentic growth. The process has to be as pure as the product.”

When the pandemic hit, it tested that philosophy in real time. While markets shrank, Meenakshi and her small team made sure the farmers’ incomes didn’t. “We cut back where we could, but not on payments. These women are the heartbeat of Aranyam.”

A Conversation with the Founder

(Excerpts from our conversation with Meenakshi Bhardwaj)

WWeaV: What does Aranyam stand for today?
Meenakshi: The word ‘Aranyam’ means “belonging to the forest.” It captures our belief that nature and humanity are not separate; they coexist. We aim to bring the purity of the forest to people’s homes while ensuring the forest communities thrive.

WWeaV: How do you see the brand evolving?
Meenakshi: Growth for us means depth, not just expansion. We plan to include more tribal clusters and diversify responsibly without compromising authenticity. I also want our customers to know the stories behind what they consume.

WWeaV: What’s your biggest takeaway from this journey?
Meenakshi: That empathy is as important as efficiency. And that real success is not in numbers but in the number of lives touched meaningfully.

WWeaV: Your advice to women aspiring to create impact?
Meenakshi: Begin. Don’t wait for certainty, for it never comes. Courage doesn’t always roar; sometimes it whispers, “Try again tomorrow.”

Rooted in Service, Growing in Spirit

In a time when the world celebrates innovation through technology, Aranyam Naturals reminds us of a different kind of innovation. It’s the one that grows from soil, sustains people, and honours the timeless rhythm of nature.

It’s a story of how one woman’s promise became a purpose.
Of how rediscovering the land helped her rediscover herself.
And of how sometimes, the most profound journeys don’t take us anywhere new. They simply bring us home.