IIT Researcher Garima Awasthi's 'Kalasakhi' Initiative Gains Global Recognition
India's centuries-old, rich handicraft tradition, cultural heritage, and the skilled women artisans of rural India are being connected to the modern market and empowered toward self-reliance - and in this direction, 'KalaStree' has emerged as a revolutionary initiative. Founded by Garima Awasthi, this organization is not only working to preserve the country's ancient and endangered crafts, but is also giving new wings to the dreams of women artisans sitting in remote regions. KalaStree's core mission is to provide a bigger market, a respectable platform, and distinct recognition to authentic Indian products certified by the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and to the traditional handicrafts made by women artisans across the country. Notably, a GI tag represents the distinctiveness, quality, and reputation of a product tied to a specific geographical region - one that has defined that region's identity for centuries. These products are not mere objects, but a symbol of India's centuries-old culture, art, and skills preserved across generations.