Tripura artisan Ranjit Das receives the President’s Award for his exceptional bamboo craft at a national ceremony in New Delhi, celebrating India’s handicraft heritage and inspiring young artisans to preserve traditional skills and pursue sustainable livelihoods.
Tripura has once again earned national recognition in the field of traditional handicrafts as master bamboo artisan Ranjit Das from East Nalchar in Sepahijala district was conferred with the prestigious President’s Award for his outstanding bamboo basket craft. The honour was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a grand ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday, where eminent artisans from across the nation were celebrated for their contributions to India’s cultural and craft heritage.
The event marked the conferment of the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024, an initiative of the Government of India designed to acknowledge exceptional craftsmanship and encourage the preservation of traditional art forms. The awards not only highlight artistic excellence but also reinforce the government’s commitment to safeguarding indigenous craft traditions that are deeply embedded in the country’s cultural identity.
This year, 12 artisans received the prestigious Shilp Guru Awards, while 36 craftsmen were honoured with the National Awards for their dedication and mastery in various handicraft categories. These recognitions serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role that artisans play in maintaining the continuity of India’s artistic legacy.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, along with senior ministry officials, cultural experts, and dignitaries, attended the ceremony, underscoring the national importance of the occasion. The presence of top-level delegates reflected the government’s commitment toward elevating the status of artisans and promoting India’s handicrafts on national and global platforms.
For Ranjit Das, the award marks a deeply emotional and rewarding milestone in a life devoted to bamboo craftsmanship. Speaking to Tripura Times after the ceremony, he shared that his journey began under the guidance of his father, from whom he inherited the traditional craft skills that have now brought him national fame. Over the years, he has meticulously honed his abilities, creating unique bamboo baskets and other handcrafted items that reflect both tradition and innovation.
Ranjit continues to produce handcrafted bamboo items with the support of his family, turning their age-old skills into a sustainable livelihood. Beyond his craft production, he has also taken on the role of a trainer, mentoring young artisans and students who aspire to learn bamboo craftsmanship. By imparting his knowledge to the next generation, he hopes to ensure that the craft remains vibrant and relevant in the years to come.
His wife, Phul Kumari, expressed her heartfelt joy over the national recognition. She described the award as a validation of her husband’s relentless dedication, countless hours of labour, and unwavering passion for bamboo artistry. She added that the honour has motivated their family to continue investing in craft production and training programs that can empower more local artisans.
The achievement has sparked widespread pride across Tripura, a state already known for its rich heritage of bamboo and cane craftsmanship. Experts in the field have praised Ranjit’s honour as a significant boost for the state’s handicraft sector, which plays a key role in generating employment and preserving indigenous skills. Local communities, craft cooperatives, and cultural groups have also expressed their appreciation for his contribution to the region’s artistic reputation.
Ranjit Das’s recognition is expected to inspire young artisans across Tripura and beyond to pursue careers in traditional crafts, which continue to offer sustainable livelihood opportunities. His success story demonstrates how dedication to heritage art forms, combined with government support and national recognition, can transform an artisan’s life while reviving interest in traditional skills.
The President’s Award not only elevates Ranjit’s personal journey but also strengthens Tripura’s position as a hub of bamboo craftsmanship in India. With growing national attention and continued government initiatives aimed at developing the handicraft sector, the state’s artisans are poised for greater opportunities in markets across the country and abroad.
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Ranjit Das’s achievement stands as a testament to the enduring value of Indian handicrafts, the resilience of traditional artisans, and the power of cultural heritage in shaping national identity. His success story symbolizes hope, inspiration, and the timeless spirit of craftsmanship that continues to thrive across India.
