Tripura’s Bamboo Jewellery Carves Niche in Green Fashion Movement Under NITI Aayog’s ‘Vocal for Local’ Push

A unique blend of sustainability, tradition, and women-led innovation from the remote corners of Tripura is earning national and global recognition, as handcrafted bamboo jewellery produced by rural women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) takes centre stage under NITI Aayog’s flagship ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.

Highlighting this achievement, NITI Aayog, in an official post on X dated June 19, showcased the eco-friendly bamboo jewellery created by SHG members affectionately referred to as Didis from Tripura. This initiative falls under the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme and reflects a growing movement to boost grassroots entrepreneurship rooted in local heritage and ecological awareness.

Produced using locally sourced bamboo, each piece of jewellery draws on centuries-old tribal techniques while incorporating modern design aesthetics. Lightweight, biodegradable, and culturally rich, these ornaments have become a beacon of sustainable fashion and a vehicle for empowering rural women artisans.

“These are not just accessories, they are wearable expressions of identity, culture, and environmental consciousness,” the post emphasized.

The craftsmanship has not only revived a traditional artform but also provided a new economic lifeline to women across Tripura’s forested interiors. For many, jewellery-making now represents both financial autonomy and creative fulfilment. With demand for these products rising in metropolitan Indian cities and even in international artisan markets, the industry’s potential for expansion is rapidly becoming evident.

In a strategic move to further amplify the impact of local products, NITI Aayog launched the ‘Aakanksha’ brand under the Vocal for Local banner on March 13, 2024. The logo for ‘Aakanksha’ was unveiled by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, in the presence of NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam.

As part of this initiative, indigenous products from over 500 Aspirational Blocks across India have been identified and brought under the Aakanksha umbrella. A dedicated section on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal has been established to promote and sell these items online, ensuring better market access for rural entrepreneurs.

All 329 district and block-level officials under the Aspirational Blocks Programme participated virtually in the launch, signaling a strong institutional commitment to the movement.

Moreover, strategic partners are providing critical support for e-commerce onboarding, skill development, financial and digital literacy, certification processes, and market linkage development creating a robust support ecosystem for these women-led ventures.

The SHG Didis of Tripura are fast becoming the face of India’s eco-conscious, inclusive growth story. By weaving together tradition, creativity, and sustainability, they are redefining how local resources can be turned into global opportunities.

With continued backing from NITI Aayog and state-level support mechanisms, initiatives like ‘Aakanksha’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ are set to unlock new avenues of economic resilience and self-sufficiency for underserved communities.

As the bamboo jewellery of Tripura captures hearts and markets alike, it also tells a deeper story of how local innovation and women’s empowerment can reshape the future of rural India, one ornament at a time.