A Celebration of Textile Heritage, Devotion & Artisan Empowerment
New Delhi, 27th April 2026: The RSB Foundation, the CSR arm of the RSB Group, unveiled Project Tantavyaa: Shwet Shyam at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi, with a distinguished gathering that brought together India’s textile legacy, cultural leadership, and artisan communities.
Rooted in the textile traditions of Odisha, Bengal, and Assam, Shwet Shyam is a craft-led cultural experience inspired by the values of Swabhiman (dignity), Shaktikaran (empowerment), and Sankirtan (devotion), placing a strong emphasis on reviving handloom traditions and uplifting women artisans.
The evening opened with a traditional Mangalacharan performance, followed by key addresses by Ms. Priyanka Behera, Director CSR, RSB Group, and Pankaj S. Chadha, who highlighted the vision of reviving rare textiles through sustainable, community-led initiatives.
The inauguration was graced by the Chief Guest, Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, who underscored the importance of preserving India’s craft heritage in line with the vision of Swadeshi 2.0 and the Five-F value chain.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji added, “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.”
A key highlight of the evening was the book launch and address by His Holiness Indradyumna Swami Ji, adding a spiritual dimension to the celebration.
The event also featured eminent royals, 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, reinforcing the deep cultural significance of the initiative.
Curated under Project Tantavyaa, the showcase brings together over 100 handcrafted textile pieces, reimagining India’s heritage crafts as living traditions. The evening concluded with a curated cultural experience, including a presentation of Dhenkanal’s culinary heritage from Odisha, celebrating the region’s rich traditions beyond textiles.
Speaking on the occasion, Priyanka Behera said: “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.”
Shwet Shyam will continue until 2nd May 2026, offering an immersive journey into India’s textile traditions and cultural legacy.
