NEW DELHI — Following the successful design and production of the 2026 Republic Day Invitation Kit, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, hosted a special interaction at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to personally honor the master artisans behind the project on 19th May 2026.
The unique invitation kit was developed through a landmark collaboration between the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad, the Rashtrapati Bhavan team, and traditional artisan groups from the eight 'Ashtalakshmi' states of Northeast India. Deeply impressed by the remarkable craftsmanship, the Hon’ble President had expressed a keen interest in meeting the creators who brought the region's rich cultural heritage to the national stage.
In a significant milestone, the majority of the 80-member artisan delegation consisted of women from remote regions of the Northeast. For many of these women, this event marked their very first journey outside their home states, making their visit to the national capital and the Rashtrapati Bhavan a deeply historic and emotional moment.
During the event, the President met with nearly 80 artisans, honoring each with a ceremonial stole as a token of the nation’s appreciation.
Further, the President engaged in an intimate, sit-down interaction with the artisans. The discussion focused on understanding the intricate nuances of their respective crafts, celebrating their traditional knowledge, and addressing the ground realities and challenges associated with sustaining craft heritage in the northeastern region.
This initiative highlights the Government’s ongoing commitment to empowering grassroots craft communities and positioning traditional Indian artisanship at the heart of major national celebrations.