In a step towards promoting sustainable livelihoods and women’s entrepreneurship, the Block Office, Prothrapur, under the Directorate of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies (RD, PRIs & ULBs), A&N Administration, organized a hands-on training programme on handicraft making using bamboo and waste materials. The initiative, held at Gram Panchayat Shyam Nagar, Swaraj Dweep, was aimed at members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) functioning under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
The ten-day programme, which began on October 13 and concluded on October 22, saw the active participation of 26 SHG members from Gram Panchayat Shyam Nagar. The training was designed to equip participants with practical skills in crafting utility and decorative products from bamboo and recycled materials, fostering both creativity and income-generation potential.
According to officials, the programme was organized in response to a growing demand among local SHG members who have shown increasing interest in creating handicraft items for sale to tourists and local buyers. With Swaraj Dweep being one of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ most visited destinations, the potential for marketing handcrafted souvenirs and eco-friendly products remains high. The training aimed to help SHG members tap into this opportunity by turning local resources and waste into marketable crafts.
During the course, participants learned to prepare a variety of handcrafted products, including baskets, trays, pen stands, and decorative items, combining traditional bamboo craftsmanship with modern design ideas. Trainers emphasized the importance of sustainability, resource efficiency, and product quality, while also guiding participants on packaging, pricing, and presentation, essential aspects for succeeding in the competitive handicraft market.
The initiative not only addressed the need for alternative livelihood opportunities in rural communities but also aligned with the Administration’s broader goal of promoting circular economy practices by reusing and repurposing waste materials. Encouraging the use of local resources such as bamboo, which grows abundantly in the Islands, the programme underscored how environmentally responsible entrepreneurship can strengthen rural economies.
A valedictory function marking the end of the training was held on October 23, attended by Gurjeet Kaur, Block Development Officer, Prothrapur, Alok Kumar, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Shyam Nagar, and officials from the Block and Panchayat offices. The event featured an exhibition where participants displayed the handicraft items they had created during the training. Visitors to the exhibition appreciated the creativity and quality of the products, reflecting the skills the participants had acquired over the course of the programme.
Certificates were distributed to all participants in recognition of their successful completion of the training. Addressing the gathering, the Block Development Officer encouraged SHG members to continue producing handicrafts and explore opportunities to expand their market reach. She urged them to participate actively in the upcoming SARAS Mela at Sri Vijaya Puram, where local self-help groups from across the Islands will showcase and sell their products.
The Pradhan of Shyam Nagar Panchayat also assured SHG members of support in facilitating dedicated spaces at tourist hubs for the sale of their handcrafted goods. This initiative is expected to help artisans establish a steady stream of income while promoting locally made, environmentally sustainable products among visitors.
Officials noted that the success of the training reflects growing enthusiasm among rural women to take up skill-based income generation activities. By integrating traditional craftsmanship with sustainability and tourism, the Administration aims to empower SHG members to become self-reliant entrepreneurs contributing to the Islands’ rural economy.
For many participants, the training offered a fresh start, an opportunity to turn everyday materials into art that carries both cultural and economic value. As Swaraj Dweep continues to attract tourists seeking authentic island experiences, locally produced bamboo and waste-based crafts are poised to become popular souvenirs that tell a story of empowerment, creativity, and ecological balance.
