Supported by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts),
Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

06 Days Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP)

Focused specifically on natural fiber handicrafts of Uttarakhand, the program aims to empower artisans and entrepreneurs working in the handicraft sector by providing them with vital business skills and knowledge. The program will be held at Serenity Hotel, Tapovan Laxmanjhula, Tehri Garhwal, and will run daily from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It will include expert-led sessions on financial management, marketing strategies, quality control, and e-commerce opportunities.

Event Highlights: Duration 06 Days

Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) from February 3 to February 8, 2025.

Rishikesh Natural Fiber Handicrafts Producer Company Limited today inaugurated a 6-day Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP), scheduled from February 3 to February 8, 2025. The program is sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and aims to empower artisans and entrepreneurs associated with the natural fiber handicraft sector of Uttarakhand.
The inaugural ceremony was held on Monday at Serenity Hotel, Tapovan, where Mr. Anil Chandola, head of Rishikesh Natural Fiber Handicrafts Producer Company Limited, addressed the gathering. He shared that the program will feature informative sessions led by experts on topics such as financial management, marketing strategies, quality control, and e-commerce opportunities. The core objective is to equip artisans with essential business skills to prepare them for success in global markets.
The program was graced by the presence of Mr. J. Sundriyal (Former Joint Secretary, Indian Parliament & OSD, Uttarakhand), Mr. Nalin Rai (Assistant Director, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Dehradun), Mr. S.S. Negi (Former Assistant Director, DIC, Dehradun), designer Ms. Prerna Raturi, company director Ms. Beena Pundir, artisan Ms. Mamta Negi, and other dignitaries.

  • He emphasized that this initiative marks an important step in preparing Uttarakhand’s artisans to compete globally. It aligns with the Government of India’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), focusing on skill development, entrepreneurship, and the promotion of traditional crafts at national and international levels.
  • Interactive sessions with industry experts and experienced professionals
  • Hands-on workshops on marketing, financial planning, and product innovation
  • Live business pitching and networking opportunities with key stakeholders from the handicraft industry




Highlights and Achievements

The 6-day Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) organized by Rishikesh Natural Fiber Handicrafts Producer Company Limited from 3rd to 8th February 2025 at Serenity Hotel, Tapovan, Rishikesh marked a significant milestone in empowering artisans of Uttarakhand’s natural fiber sector. Sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the program was specifically designed to strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of artisans working with traditional and eco-friendly materials such as bhimal, hemp, jute, and bamboo. The program witnessed the active participation of over 20 artisans and emerging entrepreneurs, with a majority being women, highlighting a strong push towards gender-inclusive economic empowerment. Through expert-led sessions, participants received hands-on training in areas like financial literacy, marketing strategies, quality control, product innovation, and e-commerce opportunities. A key feature of the program was the live business pitching session, where participants showcased their product concepts and received guidance from industry professionals and government officials. The EDP was further enriched by the presence of eminent guests including Mr. J. Sundriyal (Former Joint Secretary, Indian Parliament), Mr. Nalin Rai (Assistant Director, Office of the DC Handicrafts), Mr. S.S. Negi (Former Assistant Director, DIC Dehradun), designer Ms. Prerna Raturi, Ms. Beena Pundir (Director, RNFHPCL), and several skilled artisans like Ms. Mamta Negi. Their insights and encouragement added great value to the sessions and inspired the participants. One of the most notable outcomes of the program was its success in bridging the gap between skill and market readiness. Artisans were introduced to modern packaging, branding, pricing strategies, and customer engagement techniques, equipping them with the tools to compete in today’s market. The program not only elevated the participants’ professional confidence but also aligned with the Government of India’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” by promoting self-reliance through skill development and sustainable entrepreneurship.

The 6-day Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) organized by Rishikesh Natural Fiber Handicrafts Producer Company Limited stands as a significant step toward empowering grassroots artisans and promoting sustainable entrepreneurship in Uttarakhand. With focused training, expert mentorship, and exposure to modern business practices, the program successfully bridged the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary market demands. It not only enhanced the professional capabilities of participating artisans—especially women—but also aligned with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by fostering self-reliance and economic upliftment through skill development. The enthusiastic participation, impactful sessions, and strong institutional support made this EDP a model initiative for artisan-led growth and rural enterprise development.