Culture

NABARD’s Grameen Bharat Mahotsav started in kolkata today. 4 GI Products from West Bengal among 14 Draws Special Attraction at Mahotsav. More than 150 Artisans from Across India Showcase their Creativities in NABARD’s Grameen Bharat Mahotsav. From Waste to Exquisite Art- Mahotsav brings Eco-friendly Water Hyacinth Fibre Mats & Bags Alive.

 

Shri Sukh Chand, a visionary entrepreneur from Birbhum district, has turned to be a catalyst for rural transformation through his association with the SHG Group Sutirtha Global Producer Company Limited. Supported by NABARD under the Off-farm Producer Organisation (OFPO) / Rural Enterprise Producer Organisation scheme of the Rural MSME Department, his visionary efforts have not only created sustainable livelihoods amongst the people residing in and around his village, but has also revived traditional crafts in Surul village.

 

Initially, rural women and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the region were engaged in small-scale activities with limited market access and low income. Recognizing their potential, With NABARD’s strategic additional support of Mobile Van to the OFPO, for promoting and marketing Nakshi Kantha stitching, handmade jewellery and ornamental products, blending cultural heritage with modern trends.

 

Sukh Chand and his organisation Sutirtha Global Producer Company Limited has got the privilege of showcasing the artistic finery in the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav – West Bengal 2025, the 10-day event organised by NABARD to exhibit the rural India’s vibrancy, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. The event started at New Town, Kolkata on November 14, 2025 and will continue till November 23, 2025.

 

The event features over 70 stalls representing Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Off-Farm Producer Organizations (OFPOs), and rural entrepreneurs from across the country. Artisans and producers will present a diverse array of traditional crafts, organic products, textiles, processed foods, and eco-friendly innovations.

 

In a special tribute to collective enterprise, NABARD is also celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives with a dedicated Cooperative Pavilion comprising 10 stalls, highlighting the contributions of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), dairy cooperatives, and multipurpose societies.

 

As the Chief General Manager, NABARD, Shri P K Bhardwaj puts it out, “Gramin Bharat Mahotsav is more than an exhibition—it is a movement. It reflects NABARD’s commitment to empowering rural India through financial inclusion, market access, and cooperative strength. We invite everyone to support these changemakers and celebrate the spirit of Rural India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

 

 

Over 150 artisans from 19 States across India are participating, showcasing diverse items such as Kantha Stitch sarees, Tussar silk sarees, Kosa silk, Kalamkari handloom sarees, wood carvings, handcrafted jewellery, Sohrai art, jute and cane products, and water hyacinth & Sital Patti crafts.

 

This year, the mela features 14 distinguished Geographical Indication (GI) products, including four from West Bengal, highlighting the rich cultural and craft heritage of various states. Additionally, startups incubated by NABARD supported ABIF-IIT Kharagpur and artisans nominated by KVIC, TRIFED, and SRLM are presenting a curated selection of handloom textiles and traditional dress materials, further enriching the exhibition’s diversity and appeal.

 

Saamajik Pahal Foundation, an NGO based in Hooghly district, has emerged as a beacon of rural empowerment and sustainable livelihood creation. With a vision to promote eco-friendly practices and uplift rural artisans, the organisation ventured into making innovative and eco-friendly products from water hyacinth, a locally available resource often considered waste. This initiative not only addressed environmental concerns but also opened new income avenues for rural women.

 

The journey of transformation began with the support of NABARD through various schemes such as Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP), Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP), and assistance in preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPR). These interventions provided the artisans with skill development, product diversification training, and entrepreneurial guidance. Initially, the artisans were engaged in making basic utility items from water hyacinth, but with NABARD’s support, they learned to create a wide range of products such as handbags, mats, baskets, and decorative items that cater to urban and export markets.

 

Another vibrant instance is Smt. Wasmin Begam, an enterprising artisan from Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. She has carved a niche for herself in the world of fashion through sheer determination and skill. With a passion for traditional craftsmanship, she began her journey with limited resources and faced numerous challenges in reaching customers beyond her locality. Her turning point came when she associated with the NABARD-supported Rural Mart – J K Fashion Boutique and participated in various fairs and exhibitions, which provided her with a platform to showcase and market her products.

 

Through the Rural Mart initiative, Wasmin gained access to better marketing opportunities, training in design trends, and exposure to customer preferences. Her boutique now offers a range of beautifully crafted garments sourced from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), blending tradition with modern aesthetics. The NABARD support as she said, not only enhanced her income but also boosted her confidence as a successful entrepreneur.

 

Such lively stories are a testament to how rural artisans, with the right support and market linkage, can transform their lives and contribute to the local economy.