10 Years of ‘Make in India’ and Silpakarman: A Journey of Growth, Sustainability, and Innovation

10 Years of ‘Make in India’ and Silpakarman: A Journey of Growth, Sustainability, and Innovation

In 2014, India witnessed the launch of an ambitious initiative by the government that promised to transform the nation’s manufacturing landscape — Make in India. It aimed to foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property, and build best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure. Ten years later, it has not only spurred growth in the manufacturing sector but also ignited the spirit of entrepreneurship across the country. One such success story is Silpakarman, a bamboo craft brand that has grown and thrived during this transformative decade.

A Vision for India: Make in India’s Impact Over a Decade

The Make in India initiative set out with a bold goal: to elevate India into a global manufacturing hub. Over the last ten years, it has achieved significant milestones, becoming a key player in sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, and renewable energy.
  1. Manufacturing Growth: The manufacturing sector’s contribution to India’s GDP grew from 16% to over 20% during this period. With relaxed FDI regulations, enhanced ease of doing business, and investment in infrastructure, Indian companies could now compete on the global stage.
  2. Sustainability and Innovation: Sustainability became a key focus of Make in India. Eco-friendly manufacturing practices gained traction, pushing industries to adopt greener technologies and renewable resources.
  3. Employment Generation: By fostering local manufacturing, millions of jobs were created, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Small businesses and startups benefited from incentives that allowed them to scale rapidly, contributing to the rural economy's empowerment.
  4. Skill Development: The initiative emphasized skill development through various programs like Skill India. This created a pool of talent equipped to handle advanced manufacturing techniques and innovations, giving rise to new sectors such as electric vehicles and smart technology.

Silpakarman’s Journey: 10 Years of Growth, Sustainability, and Craftsmanship

As Make in India unfolded, Silpakarman, the brainchild of Akshya Shree, took its first steps toward transforming bamboo craftsmanship in India. What began as a mission to promote rural artisans and bamboo innovation has now evolved into a thriving brand that embodies the ethos of sustainability, rural empowerment, and eco-conscious craftsmanship.

1. The Genesis: A Bamboo Revolution

In 2014, Silpakarman started as a small initiative, aiming to leverage India’s abundant bamboo resources while empowering rural artisans. Under the umbrella of TAD Udyog Pvt. Ltd., the brand was launched to revitalize traditional bamboo crafts and develop innovative products that cater to modern consumers.

Key Milestones in Silpakarman’s First Decade:

  • Product Development: The brand started with traditional bamboo products but quickly evolved by introducing a line of Silpakarman Bamboo Baskets, which became a creative and eco-friendly alternative to plastic and synthetic materials.
  • Innovation & Sustainability: Staying true to the Make in India spirit, Silpakarman embraced innovation. It explored new product categories such as eco-friendly packaging, home décor, and even nutraceutical products like BeYouTea, India’s first bamboo leaves tea.

2. Rural Empowerment: A Core Principle

At its heart, Silpakarman’s mission has always been rural empowerment. Over the last decade, the brand worked closely with bamboo farmers and artisans in rural India, providing them with sustainable livelihoods. The company’s model focuses on ensuring fair wages, skill development, and financial stability for rural artisans.
Impact:
  • Artisan Communities: Hundreds of artisans have been brought into the fold, contributing to the local economy. Silpakarman’s business model ensures that the artisans have ownership in the process, giving them the opportunity to be a part of the value chain.
  • Sustainable Bamboo Sourcing: Bamboo, a renewable resource, became a symbol of Silpakarman’s commitment to the environment. The brand promoted sustainable sourcing methods, minimizing environmental impact while also raising awareness about bamboo’s potential as a green material.

3. Brand Evolution: Expanding Beyond India

With the world’s growing demand for eco-friendly products, Silpakarman began exploring global markets. The brand established partnerships and started exporting products, which were appreciated for their craftsmanship and sustainable design.

  • Global Partnerships: From initial exports to partnering with international retailers, the brand expanded its reach to Europe, the Middle East, and the US.
  • Awards and Recognition: Silpakarman’s founder, Akshya Shree, was recognized in the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list in 2021, underlining the brand’s contribution to bamboo innovation and rural development.

4. Challenges & Opportunities: Building a Sustainable Business

The journey of Silpakarman has not been without challenges. The brand struggled initially with scaling up, ensuring consistent quality, and navigating market demands. However, leveraging the momentum of Make in India, the company worked on diversifying its product line, including nutraceutical innovations such as BeYouTea, and forming strategic collaborations for both domestic and international markets.

The Future: What the Next Decade Holds for Silpakarman and Make in India

As both Make in India and Silpakarman enter their second decade, the future holds immense possibilities.
  1. Sustainability at the Forefront: With increasing awareness around climate change and the global shift toward sustainable materials, bamboo-based innovations like Silpakarman’s products are expected to play a significant role in this movement.
  2. Technological Integration: The next wave of Make in India will likely focus on leveraging technology such as AI and robotics in manufacturing, while Silpakarman will explore more efficient bamboo processing techniques to maintain its competitive edge.
  3. Global Expansion: Silpakarman plans to continue expanding its footprint in international markets, showcasing India’s craftsmanship and sustainable practices on a global platform.
  4. Collaborations & Partnerships: The company is gearing up for collaborations with FMCG brands and retailers, such as Lulu Group, to push its products further into mainstream retail spaces. These collaborations will be key in scaling the business and creating new markets for bamboo-based products.

Conclusion

The story of Silpakarman is deeply intertwined with the success of Make in India. Both embody the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and empowerment. As India continues to grow as a manufacturing powerhouse, Silpakarman will continue its journey of making eco-friendly bamboo products a household staple, both in India and across the globe. Together, they represent a decade of progress — built on the foundations of tradition, craftsmanship, and the vision of a sustainable future.
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