RSB Foundation Launches Project Tantavyaa to Champion India's Textile Artisans and Heritage Crafts

New Delhi — The CSR division of RSB Group formally introduced Project Tantavyaa: Shwet Shyam at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, bringing together stakeholders from India's textile sector, cultural institutions, and artisan networks. The initiative prioritizes the restoration and growth of conventional textile practices through economically viable, community-centred approaches.

Drawing inspiration from textile traditions practised across Odisha, Bengal, and Assam, Shwet Shyam operates around three core principles: Swabhiman (dignity), Shaktikaran (empowerment), and Sankirtan (devotion). The project aims to reinvigorate handloom sectors while generating reliable income opportunities for artisan populations, with particular attention to female weavers and craftspeople. The exhibition remains open until 2 May 2026, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of India's textile heritage and artistic traditions.

The event commenced with a traditional Mangalacharan performance before Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, serving as chief guest, delivered remarks on the necessity of safeguarding India's craft traditions in alignment with Swadeshi 2.0 principles and the Five-F value chain framework.

"As India pursues greater self-reliance, programmes such as this underscore the continuing relevance of Swadeshi, enabling our heritage crafts to flourish within contemporary global markets," Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, stated at the gathering.

Subsequent addresses from Ms. Priyanka Behera, Director of CSR at RSB Group, and Pankaj S. Chadha elaborated on how community-driven sustainability models can facilitate the revival of rare and endangered textile traditions.

A significant moment arrived with the book launch and remarks by His Holiness Indradyumna Swami Ji, which contributed a spiritual perspective to the proceedings. The occasion was distinguished by the attendance of prominent members of India's royal families, including HH Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda, Shriji Huzur Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Ji of Udaipur, Maharani Nivriti Kumari of Udaipur, Yuvrani Meenal Kumari Singh Deo of Dhenkanal, Kunwarani Ritu Ajatshatru Singh, and Celebrity Astrologer & Vastu Expert Dr. Jai Madaan, underscoring the project's cultural importance.

"Tantavyaa represents our dedication to restoring dignity to our craftspeople and establishing craft as a viable economic activity, particularly for women artisans," Priyanka Behera remarked. "Shwet Shyam demonstrates our resolve to preserve traditional textiles by fostering community initiatives that generate sustained, meaningful outcomes."

The curated exhibition features more than 100 hand-woven and handcrafted textile works, positioning India's heritage crafts as dynamic, living practices embedded within supportive economic frameworks. The evening concluded with a culinary presentation highlighting Dhenkanal's gastronomic traditions from Odisha, extending the celebration across multiple dimensions of cultural heritage.