Mizuho supports India’s weaving heritage: Project Antaran
April 1, 2025
About Project Antaran
Despite the immense cultural and historical value of arts, heritage, and culture, these sectors often receive limited funding under CSR initiatives. According to the latest CSR spends data, funding for arts and heritage projects remains underfunded compared to other sectors. This underfunding poses a significant challenge to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, which is essential for maintaining a nation's identity and fostering social cohesion. At Mizuho, we understand the importance of supporting these underfunded areas and collaborate towards prosperity and sustainability for all.
Proactively innovate together with our clients for a prosperous and sustainable future – Mizuho’s values marks our commitment to partnership with the Tata trusts which provides artisans with the resources they need to thrive.
Through initiatives like the Project Antaran, we are empowering women weavers to overcome challenges, enhance their skills, and secure sustainable livelihoods. This strategic initiative aims to revitalize India's distinctive heritage crafts in rural areas by addressing critical challenges such as outdated loom infrastructure, low operational efficiency, and declining interest among the younger generation.
Focusing on key locations such as the Kamrup and Nalbari clusters in Assam, the project upgrades loom sheds, modernizes equipment, provides targeted training, and establishes strong market linkages. This empowers women weavers to boost productivity, secure sustainable livelihoods, and preserve the rich heritage of handloom weaving for future generations.
Mizuho Volunteering: Antaran Showcase
In 2024 Diwali, we had the privilege of celebrating the rich craftsmanship of Indian artisans by hosting an exclusive Antaran showcase at Mizuho offices in Mumbai. This event brought to life the vibrant heritage of hand woven textiles, offering our employees an opportunity to engage with the artisans, appreciate their work, and purchase exquisite handcrafted products. As part of this showcase, artisans like Dipika and her fellow weavers shared their stories, demonstrated their craftsmanship and presented their creations. This meaningful exchange not only supported the artisans financially and also empowered them by providing a platform to showcase their work to a wider audience.
Dipika’s journey is a testament to how Mizuho’s support has been transforming lives.
Dipika Kakati, a skilled artisan from Chhapathuri, Assam, has dedicated 28 years to the art of weaving. Starting with a rented loom, she overcame personal and financial hardships to establish herself as a successful artisan entrepreneur. Today, she leads a team of 10 associate artisans, weaving a future of resilience and craftsmanship. Dipika’s creations blend tradition with contemporary aesthetics, showcasing intricate Assamese weaving techniques. Her brand, Poni Handloom, caters to both B2B and direct customers, with key clients including Taz Khazana, Asian Paints, Econic (Guwahati), and Cloth Atelier (UK). Participation in national exhibitions has further expanded her reach, elevating her brand’s visibility. With the recent support from Mizuho Bank, which provided her with a loom shed, Dipika now enjoys uninterrupted productivity, even during the monsoons. Her focus remains on scaling Poni Handloom, enhancing digital outreach, and expanding her market presence. Strengthening her brand identity and exploring global collaborations will further solidify her position as a leading artisan entrepreneur.
About Tata Trusts
Tata trusts are amongst India’s oldest, non-sectarian philanthropic organizations, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for underserved communities in India. Through various initiatives in health, education, livelihood, and rural development, Tata Trusts has been instrumental in driving positive change and sustainable development.
To know more: Tata Trusts