TRIFED SPEARHEADING DESIGN INITIATIVES THROUGH
COLLABORATIONS
New Delhi : In a fast changing world, where modernity, technology and development have taken root and
primitive indigenous ways of living are but a thing of the past, found in text books, India still has
more than 200 tribal communities spread across the country. Tribal artisans, set in their lives, are
still trying to preserve the arts and crafts and traditions of their communities. TRIFED of the
Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been striving in its mission to empower these disadvantaged people
by promoting the economic welfare of these communities and bringing them towards mainstream
development. Amongst its various initiatives, implementations and programmes, one that requires
highlighting is TRIBES India’s design initiative.
To bring more exposure to the empanelled tribal artisans and to bring their skill sets and products
to international standards, TRIFED has partnered with ace renowned designers for promotion and
design development over the past few months. Some of the names include Ms. Ritu Beri, Ms.
Rina Dhaka, Ms. Ruma Devi, Ms. Winky Singh, Ms, Neera Nath and Ms. Rosie Ahluwalia.
As Trifed’s Chief Design Consultant, Ms. Rina Dhaka is bringing in her immense experience in
the field to help tribal products and handicrafts get more exposure and a larger audience. In the
Fashion week held at the annual Surajkund Mela in February 2020, she showcased her ethnic
collection, which had on display designer pieces inspired by native tribal traditions. To ensure that
talented artisans get a wider audience, she has been developing attractive gift packaging range for
these tribal products and produce. Along with tribal artisans from Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh,
she is developing new designs in Bagh print. The intent is to attract national and world-wide
audiences as these beautifully packaged quality products are marketed not only in Tribes India
outlets but also on e-commerce websites.
Additionally, espousing the cause of the tribal artisans, Ms. Rina Dhaka is promoting tribal
handicrafts and products through a series of interviews with renowned personalities in her ongoing
show, The Designer and The Muse, currently airing on News X.Interviews have been conducted
with Ms. Gauhar Khan, Ms. Delnaaz Irani, Ms. Pooja Batra and Ms. Rakshanda Khan. Shri Pravir
Krishna, Managing Director, TRIFED was also featured on this show and he spoke about
TRIFED’s role in empowering the tribal people.
Ms. Neera Nath, the renowned designer offered her aesthetic and design inputs when Tribes
India’s flagship store in Mahadeo Road, New Delhi (which had been set up in 1997) was being
revamped. A separate gallery has also been set up to showcase the products developed in
collaboration with these designers. The resultant revamped store and gallery helps display these
exquisite goods in a more prominent and eye-catching manner. Ms. Neera Nath’s expertise
contributed to beautifying the Dilli Haat store.
