The case is set in November 2021 and traces the journey of a unique women-led collective-Weavers Resource Bridge (led by Talish Ray and her fellow handloom enthusiasts)-that provided much-needed financial support to a community of weavers across India during the COVID-19 crisis. These weavers hailed from different parts of India and were masters of their art forms, but due to lack of capital and patronage, were slowly losing touch with their art because they were forced to take up other work to sustain themselves and their families. In the short span of six months, this volunteer group raised a whopping INR 15 million (about US$198,642). Because it was a time-intensive undertaking, only a limited number of weavers could be supported directly by the Bridge. Though they had exceeded the preset goal and helped the weavers become financially stable once again, the women from the Bridge wanted to ensure that the weavers continued to produce irreplaceable art, which was their forte, and find buyers regularly. As Ray thought of scaling up this initiative, an idea for a nonprofit emerged, whose goals would be to bridge the skill gap among artists and ready them for the 21st century marketplace while simultaneously educating patrons. This meant that processes had to be put in place for long-term sustainability and weavers had to be taught the technical skills to use online platforms and sustain sales across borders. Even as Ray wondered about the fundamental values that would guide this nonprofit and the operating model necessary to foster its growth, she worried about the nagging problem of capital. What Ray had achieved was just a drop in the ocean. How could these artisans be provisioned with the much-needed capital support to sustain their craft and ensure that this invaluable inter-generational knowledge was transmitted, contributing to the country's intangible cultural heritage?

It is January 2020. The chief advisor to the chief minister (CM) of Bihar is particularly unhappy after a long meeting with the cabinet members. Four years after the prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol in Bihar, it is time to review the full impact of the ban on the state's socioeconomic fabric in light of upcoming elections. As multiple growth and development avenues emerge, the state is embarking on a vibrant journey to realize dreams of a better future. To achieve its goal, the state is focusing on gender mainstreaming and development through various government initiatives. In response to a perceived increase in women's voice against alcohol consumption, the Bihar government introduced a prohibition on alcohol in 2016. However, the stringent policy with a hefty fine and non- negotiable jail term had its downsides. It hindered the much-needed economic growth because of massive losses in sectors such as tourism, food and beverage (F&B), and hospitality. It also hit the state's economic development plans because of massive shortfalls to the state exchequer. The CM stood by his decision undeterred. Yet, in a state plagued with a lack of economic development, many serious gender gaps impacting human development, and a historical lack of capacity for law enforcement, should this be the approach of choice? The chief advisor is grappling with the nagging issues of law and order, budget shortfalls, and the ability to continue the current policy while weighing the social cost of this ban on the public.