Nita Ambani Champions Indian Artisans At ‘Swadesh’, Showcases Heritage

Nita Ambani’s Vision at Swadesh Celebrates Craft, Culture & Heritage

Reliance Foundation’s chairperson, Nita Ambani, recently hosted an event at the Swadesh flagship store in Mumbai’s Eros precinct to honour Indian master artisans — spotlighting generations of craft, heritage and living tradition. 

What Happened at the Event

• The evening was dedicated to traditional Indian craftsmanship: the store’s special segment, named The Master’s Pavilion, displayed works by some of India’s most respected artisans — including miniature-art specialist Shammi Bannu Sharma, textile-art expert Gunjan Jain (known for Odisha Ikat), and weaving masters like V. Panneerselvam, GhanShyam Sarode and Biren Basak (Padma Shri). 
• Each piece on display represented “living heritage” — crafts passed down across generations, preserved in villages and artisan communities across India.
• Nita Ambani spent time personally viewing the artworks and weaving pieces, interacting with the artisans, and publicly honouring their talent and legacy.

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Nita Ambani’s Look — A Tribute to Craft

In keeping with the spirit of the evening, Nita Ambani wore a peacock-blue Banarasi saree from Swadesh, crafted using the traditional Kadhua weaving technique — an age-old method known for its durability and intricate handwork. The saree featured delicate Meena motifs, reflecting the finesse of Banaras’ weaving community. 

She paired the saree with a blouse by designer Manish Malhotra, decorated with a polki border, hand-painted deity buttons, and even a vintage spinel tassel from her personal collection.

Her jewellery choices underscored her homage to heritage: antique kundan-polki earrings over a century old, a handcrafted jadau bird ring from Swadesh, and a “haath phool” (hand-ornament) inherited from her mother — symbolizing personal heritage and respect for artisan legacy.

Through this carefully curated outfit and accessories, she turned the event into more than an exhibition — it became a statement that craftsmanship, culture, and tradition continue to matter.

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Why this Matters — Heritage, Livelihoods & Identity

• Reviving living crafts: By elevating artisans from remote craft communities and giving them visibility on a high-profile platform, Swadesh (under Ambani’s patronage) is helping preserve heritage crafts that might otherwise fade under industrialization or changing consumer tastes.
• Honouring the artisans themselves: The event recognises individual artisans — from weavers to miniature-art painters — celebrating them as “the pride of India and the stars of tonight.”
• Promoting sustainable livelihoods: Such patronage supports the economic viability of traditional artisans — enabling them to continue their crafts, sustain their families, and train the next generation, thereby preserving cultural knowledge.
• Blending tradition with contemporary appeal: Through carefully selected outfits and designs, traditional techniques like Kadhua weaving and Meena motifs were showcased in a modern setting — proving heritage can be relevant today, not just nostalgia.
  

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