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.

  • 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

Event Highlights: Duration 06 Days

Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) from February 20 to February 25, 2025.

Rishikesh Natural Fiber Handicrafts Producer Company Limited today inaugurated a 6-day Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP), scheduled from February 20 to February 25, 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.

A distinguished lineup of special chief guest, including Mrs Neelam Bijalwan, Chairperson of the Muni Ki Reti Dhalwala Municipal Council in Tehri Garhwal, and Mr. S.S. Negi, Former Assistant Director, DIC, Dehradun, and special guest Mrs Geeta Chandola, President Bhartiya Grammothan Sanstha Dhalwala, will provide words of encouragement and support, underscoring the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship in preserving and promoting traditional handicrafts.

A distinguished lineup of special chief guests, Mrs. Neelam Bijalwan, Chairperson of the Muni Ki Reti Dhalwala Municipal Council in Tehri Garhwal, emphasized the significance of encouragement and support in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. She highlighted the crucial role such initiatives play in preserving and promoting traditional handicrafts, ensuring that age-old artisanal skills are not only protected but also adapted to contemporary markets. Her address underscored the need for community involvement, policy support, and innovative business models to sustain and enhance the cultural heritage embedded in these crafts.





Highlights and Achievements

The 6-day Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) organized by Rishikesh Natural Fiber Handicrafts Producer Company Limited from 20th to 25th 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. This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s vision of empowering artisans through skill development and entrepreneurship, enhancing self-reliance, and promoting traditional crafts to a broader national and international audience. M/s Rishikesh Natural Fiber Handicrafts Producer Company Limited is committed to providing artisans with training, market exposure, and the resources needed to foster sustainable growth in the handicrafts sector. 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.