Reflections from IIT Jammu: Supporting Women Artisans Beyond the First Step

Earlier this month, I was at IIT Jammu with a group of women artisans from nearby villages.

They came with their work - embroidered pouches, woven baskets, hand-stitched fabrics. Beautiful things, made with real skill.

What stayed with me was how eager they were to learn, and how clear it was that confidence is the first step they need. From there, they need support in pricing and selling their work, improving consistency and finishing, and finding buyers beyond their own villages.

They asked questions, listened closely, and were very open.

IIT Jammu’s Unnat Bharat Abhiyan work has already built trust with these communities. Through its Outreach and Skill Development Division, there is a strong foundation in place: relationships, access, and on-ground presence that make this work possible.

What TRIKA hopes to do is build on that foundation and take it forward in a way that goes beyond one session and becomes a real, meaningful journey for these women.

This visit only deepened my conviction that this work needs to happen. Hoping to share more soon.