In a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation, women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across Tripura are transforming bamboo weaving—a centuries-old craft—into a thriving eco-friendly jewellery business, earning national recognition and empowering rural communities.
🌿 Aakanksha: Branding Sustainability
Under the ‘Aakanksha’ brand, supported by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme, these handcrafted bamboo ornaments are now reaching markets across India and abroad. Each piece—lightweight, biodegradable, and intricately designed—tells a story of resilience, creativity, and green entrepreneurship.
“Every ornament is more than an accessory—it’s a voice of sustainable living and the indomitable spirit of rural women,” said an official associated with the initiative.
🧵 Training and Transformation
Backed by the Tripura Forest Department’s NTFP Centre of Excellence, SHG members from districts like Subalsingh and Mandwi have undergone intensive training in bamboo sliver crafting, beadwork, polishing, and eco-packaging. The program has empowered over 40 women to produce jewellery tailored for modern tastes while preserving traditional techniques.
🛍️ Market Linkages and National Reach
With support from platforms like GeM (Government e-Marketplace) and private players such as Silpakarman, these artisans now have access to bulk buyers and urban consumers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair prices.
🌱 A Model for India’s Green Economy
Tripura’s bamboo jewellery movement is not just about fashion—it’s about climate resilience, women’s empowerment, and rural livelihoods. As India pushes for a circular economy, these SHG women are proving that sustainability can be stylish and scalable.
Stay tuned for more stories from India’s green grassroots revolution.
