In the heart of Telangana’s Narayanpet district, an extraordinary transformation has been unfolding — one that blends tradition with modern enterprise and puts community-led empowerment at the centre of sustainable growth. This transformation is driven by the Aarunya Initiative, a visionary effort led by Hari Chandana, the then District Collector of Narayanpet, that turned local handloom heritage into a thriving source of livelihood and innovation.

Narayanpet has long been known for its handloom weaving, a skill passed through generations. Yet many weavers struggled with declining markets, low wages, and dependence on middlemen. Recognising this gap, Ms. Chandana helped establish the Narayanpet Aarunya Handlooms and Handicrafts Producer Company Ltd., giving artisans — especially women — ownership and a collective identity.

One of Aarunya’s most impactful shifts came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when over 400 handloom weavers pivoted from traditional saree weaving to produce fabric for facemasks. This not only helped sustain incomes but also showcased how adaptability and innovation can create new opportunities from crisis.

Under Ms. Chandana’s guidance, Aarunya products expanded beyond local markets. The brand began participating in exhibitions and securing bulk orders for items like handloom uniforms and sustainable bags. By connecting artisans directly with buyers, she helped eliminate exploitative intermediaries and ensured better returns for the weavers.

What makes Aarunya exceptional is not just economic uplift but social transformation. The initiative empowered women weavers to manage business operations, engage with e-commerce platforms, and participate boldly in exhibitions and trade fairs. As highlighted in her public profile, Ms. Chandana’s leadership embodies an “eco-warrior” mindset — valuing community, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

The Aarunya Initiative stands as a powerful example of how empathetic governance can transform traditional livelihoods into resilient, market-ready enterprises. By valuing skills, fostering innovation, and empowering communities, Hari Chandana didn’t just create a brand — she nurtured a movement of opportunity, rooted in pride, dignity, and sustainable futures.