In today’s world, where speed, scale, and superficial success often take center stage, Anuradha Jalan is crafting something refreshingly different — a work ecosystem rooted in sustainability, human connection, and mindful living.
She is the founder of GreenCove, Kolkata’s first sustainable co-working space, nestled inside Harrington Mansion on Park Street. But GreenCove is more than just a workspace — it’s a conscious community where design meets purpose.
🌱 What Makes GreenCove Unique?
Spread over 1,800 sq. ft., GreenCove offers:
- ✅ 33 thoughtfully designed workstations
- ✅ A well-equipped meeting room
- ✅ Collaborative open spaces✅ A cozy café with natural lighting
- ✅ A mini amphitheater for workshops and talks
Every corner of GreenCove is intentionally designed. From low-VOC paints ensuring better air quality to furnishings crafted from jute, bamboo, recycled wood, and terracotta — the space champions eco-friendly practices and supports local artisans.
Even the quirky community wall, made from leftover plywood, is a creative reminder that sustainability can be fun and engaging.
💡 The Journey Before GreenCove: Lessons in Entrepreneurship
GreenCove wasn’t an overnight success.
Anuradha’s first entrepreneurial venture, BookMyPresents, launched during the pandemic, was a customizable gifting platform. It gave her hands-on exposure to operations, sales, marketing, and the grit needed to build something from scratch.
After 3.5 years of entrepreneurial learning and market exploration, she noticed a glaring gap in Kolkata’s workspace options. Most spaces were either functional but dull or aesthetic but unsustainable — few combined sustainability, affordability, and community.
Armed with a Master’s in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Harvard project management training, and studies in leadership and sustainability, Anuradha blended global learning with grassroots action.
🌍 Sustainability Beyond Design
GreenCove is a living example of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
It hosts initiatives like:
- ♻️ E-waste and plastic recycling drives
- 🌟 Sustainability-focused workshops and events
- 🎮 Game nights and community mixers
- 🧑💼 Talks by changemakers, including Prof. Chetan Solanki, known as the Solar Man of India
It’s a space where entrepreneurs, freelancers, corporate teams, and students collaborate, learn, and grow together.
🏆 Milestones & Recognition
Since its launch, GreenCove has:
- Won the Innovative Start-up of the Year at the Advaita Women Entrepreneur Awards
- Achieved an impressive 92% retention rate
- Grown a vibrant community of purpose-led individuals
- Hosted numerous events that spark dialogue and innovation
Anuradha has shared her journey at platforms like the IMA Kolkata Chapter, AIESEC Youth Forum, the United Nations, and USC’s India Innovation Summit, inspiring many with her transparent storytelling.
📈 What’s Next for GreenCove?
With India’s flexible workspace market projected to cross 80 million sq. ft. by 2025, and growing demand for purpose-driven infrastructure, Anuradha sees GreenCove as just the beginning.
For her, it’s all about finding her Ikigai — the balance where purpose, passion, and profit meet.
“When you build something that reflects your values and supports others, that’s when it truly feels worth it.” – Anuradha Jalan
