From Bamboo to Prosperity: How One Man’s Craftsmanship Transformed a Village
In the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s Una district, what began as a lockdown experiment has blossomed into a movement. Meet Ajay, the 43-year-old artisan whose bamboo craftsmanship is not just putting food on his family’s table, but uplifting an entire community.
A Spark in Difficult Times
When the pandemic halted Ajay’s herbal business in 2020, he turned to YouTube, searching for a lifeline. The tutorials on bamboo crafting caught his eye—and changed his destiny. Starting with simple flag stands, his hands soon shaped intricate home decor, temple models, and eco-friendly brushes, each piece carrying the earthy scent of possibility.
More Than Just a Business
Today, Ajay’s Jagriti Bamboo Craft is a lifeline for village women. Ankita, a local mother, beams as she shares how crafting bamboo trays adds ₹5,000 to her monthly income—enough for her children’s school supplies. “We work together, learn together,” she says, sanding the edges of a sleek pen stand.
The raw material comes from the lush bamboo groves surrounding their village. One 10-foot stalk transforms into 30 pen stands, each telling a story of sustainability. From ₹30 keychains to ₹2,000 temple models, these creations now find buyers at state fairs and, soon, online markets.
When Government Backing Meets Grassroots Grit
The local administration took notice. They provided machinery worth ₹2 lakh, while NABARD and DRDA helped showcase products at exhibitions. “The DC himself encouraged us,” Ajay recalls, his voice thick with gratitude. Even the CEO of Bamboo India visited, impressed by how a small village workshop was championing eco-conscious commerce.
At home, Ajay’s wife Puja balances the books while their two sons do homework nearby. “This isn’t just work,” she says, polishing a bamboo lamp. “It’s our family’s future.”
A Blueprint for Rural Revival
As Una district pushes its Bamboo Village Project, Ajay’s model proves that prosperity can grow from the most unexpected places—like the hollow of a bamboo stalk. His advice to others? “Start small, but start. The rest will follow.”
In Dagroon village, where the rustle of bamboo leaves mingles with the sound of artisans at work, Ajay’s greatest creation isn’t just handicrafts—it’s hope.
