RSB Foundation Launches Project Tantavyaa: Shwet Shyam, Celebrating India's Handloom Heritage

New Delhi — The CSR division of RSB Group marked the opening of Project Tantavyaa: Shwet Shyam at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, drawing together prominent figures from India's cultural and artisan sectors to celebrate the nation's textile traditions.

Drawing inspiration from handloom practices across Odisha, Bengal, and Assam, the initiative centres on three foundational principles: Swabhiman (dignity), Shaktikaran (empowerment), and Sankirtan (devotion). The project aims to restore handloom traditions while creating sustainable economic opportunities for women weavers and craftspeople.

The programme began with a classical Mangalacharan performance, followed by remarks from Ms. Priyanka Behera, Director of CSR at RSB Group, and Pankaj S. Chadha, both emphasizing the vision of preserving rare textile traditions through community-centred, sustainable approaches.

Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan served as the chief guest, delivering the inaugural address. He emphasized the vital role of preserving India's craft heritage as part of the broader Swadeshi 2.0 vision and the Five-F value chain framework. "Our handloom and handicraft sectors are deeply intertwined with India's civilizational ethos. By integrating heritage with innovation and education, initiatives like Shwet Shyam inspire the younger generation to value and carry forward these traditions, strengthening both cultural pride and economic empowerment," he stated.

His Holiness Indradyumna Swami Ji launched a book and delivered an address, contributing a spiritual perspective to the celebration. The event also featured the attendance of several royal patrons, 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, and Kunwarani Ritu Ajatshatru Singh, alongside Celebrity Astrologer & Vastu Expert Dr. Jai Madaan.

The showcase assembles more than 100 handcrafted textile pieces, presenting India's heritage crafts as dynamic, living traditions. Ms. Behera reflected on the initiative's mission, stating: "Tantavyaa is about restoring pride to our artisans and ensuring that craft becomes a sustainable source of livelihood, especially for women. Shwet Shyam reflects our commitment to preserving heritage while creating meaningful impact."

The exhibition concludes with a presentation of Dhenkanal's culinary heritage from Odisha, extending the celebration beyond textiles to encompass the region's broader cultural traditions.

Project Tantavyaa: Shwet Shyam remains open until May 2, 2026, providing visitors with an immersive exploration of India's textile heritage and cultural significance.