Since its inauguration on 11th August 2025 at KIIT-TBI, the Handicraft Artisans Incubation Program, supported by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has put remarkable impact in the transformational journey of the incubate artisans from craftsmanship into entrepreneurship.
The journey culminated in a spectacular product exhibition and fashion show on 1st November 2025, showcasing breathtaking creations in Appliqué, Hand Painting, and Ceramics with each piece reflecting a perfect blend of innovation, hard work, passion, and tradition.
The event was graced by distinguished guests including Ms. Seema Mishra, Director, O/o DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles), Sri Bhuwan Bhaskar, Assistant Director, and Sri Kumar Premendra Sinha, Handicraft Promotion Officer, Handicrafts Service Centre (HSC), Bhubaneswar, whose presence brought immense encouragement to the artisans. National Award-winning stone sculptor, Sri Kalpataru Maharana, also graced the occasion.
The ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp and guest felicitation, setting a warm and inspiring tone under the guidance of Sri Samarendra Sahu (Advisor, KIIT-TBI). This was followed by an engaging interaction led by Ms. Seema Mishra, who connected deeply with artisans and resource persons, emphasizing the importance such an innovative program aimed at enhancing the creativity, skill enhancement, and innovation and entrepreneurial acumen of the artisans at the ground level.
The main highlight of the event was the product fashion show, where artisans took to the runway as models, confidently showcasing their uniquely crafted pieces. Their display not only celebrated craftsmanship but also symbolized breaking societal barriers and embracing self-empowerment, earning them appreciation and gifts from the Director. The program also featured heartfelt reflections, as artisans shared their journeys and post-incubation aspirations, while mentors acknowledged their remarkable growth in design, quality, and entrepreneurship.
The event concluded with a vibrant product exhibition, marking a new beginning in the artisans’ journey and reaffirming KIIT-TBI’s unwavering commitment to fostering its innovation and creativity and immense contribution to the incubation ecosystem, especially for India’s handicraft ecosystem, through such a unique and one of the first of its kind program in the country from the aegis of the DC Handicrafts.
Glimpses
