HäriT Eco-friendly Initiative under HünaR Skill Development Centre of HSNC University, Mumbai in collaboration with Tisser Artisans Trust, organised a groundbreaking event titled C4-Crafting Creative Change Conclave, celebrating the fusion of creativity, sustainability and social responsibility. The Conclave, which sought to drive creative change through crafts, sustainability and social entrepreneurship, brought together thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, ecosystem enablers, academia, investors, industry pioneers, patrons and changemakers from various sectors to explore new ways of driving positive transformation in the world.

Held at HSNC University's state-of-the-art Worli campus, the inaugural session of the  Conclave was graced by Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University; Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra (IAS), Textile Commissioner, Government of India, Ministry of Textiles; Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University; H.E. Adolfo Garcia Estrada, Consul General of Mexico, Mexican Consulate; Dr. Megha Phansalkar, Founder & Chairperson, Tisser Artisans Trust and Ms. Akruti Bagwe, Director-Operations, World Trade Center.

The inaugural edition of the Conclave also marked the launch of several impactful initiatives, including the logo of HünaR Skill Development Centre of HSNC University, aimed at empowering artisans, women and specially-abled through skill-building. Additionally, the logo of HäriT Eco-friendly Initiative of HSNC University was introduced, promoting sustainable practices, while R.A.N.G: Reviving Art, Nurturing Generations sought to preserve and celebrate traditional crafts. The event also unveiled sustainable DIY kits inspired by Indian Arts & Crafts, encouraging creativity and eco-consciousness in everyday life.

In her opening remarks, Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla warmly welcomed all attendees and emphasised the urgent need to focus on the preservation and promotion of traditional, time-honoured artisan techniques. She highlighted that the conversation goes beyond just conclaves and discussions, calling for immediate action, especially regarding livelihoods. "How long are we going to talk about challenges? It is time to talk about solutions," she said, pointing out the pressing global challenges we face, such as environmental degradation, waste management and the erosion of traditional craftsmanship, urging everyone to act now for meaningful change. She stated that the newly-inaugurated HünaR Skill Development Centre will impart specially-abled persons with essential skills & vocational training with certification to achieve self-reliance while preserving their cultural heritage. She concluded her address by exhorting everyone to remember and work on the principle of UBUNTU - ‘I am because we are’ which stresses the importance of community and the interconnectedness of all human beings.

In his keynote ddress, Chief Guest Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, spoke passionately about the importance of supporting artisans, emphasising their role as custodians of India's rich cultural heritage. He highlighted how their skills not only preserve traditional craftsmanship but also offer sustainable livelihoods, calling for greater recognition and empowerment of artisans in today's rapidly changing world.

Recalling vividly the story of how HSNC University was formed, Dr. Hiranandani reflected on how this marks the first time a State University in Maharashtra has been entrusted to the private sector for management. He praised Dr. Bagla for her exceptional leadership, which he described as second to none and expressed his confidence that these trailblazing initiatives would continue to flourish under her guidance.

Guest of Honour Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra cited numerous statistics to drive home the potential for Indian textiles, handicrafts and artisan industry.

“The market for Indian textiles and apparel is projected to grow to US$350 billion by 2030, with exports expected to reach US$100 billion. India’s textile industry is unique in its ability to offer a complete value chain known as the "5Fs" — Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Forest. This integrated model not only contributes significantly to India’s economy but also emphasises environmental stewardship, making Indian textiles a global symbol of sustainable fashion and craftsmanship. The latest Union Budget also saw a 19% increase in the outlay for the Ministry of Textiles alongside the launch of a 5-year ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’. By boosting domestic productivity, this initiative will stabilise raw material availability, reduce import dependence and enhance the global competitiveness of Indias textile sector, where 80% of capacity is driven by MSMEs. Last few years our focus on sustainability has also increased,” Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra explained. She also touched on Kasturi Cotton -a premium initiative launched by the Government to enhance the global perception of Indian cotton.

H.    E. Adolfo Garcia Estrada, whose son studies B.Sc. Yoga at HSNC University, congratulated Dr. Bagla and said “This Conclave offers a rare opportunity for investors, craft-led enterprises and industry leaders to collaborate, share insights, and drive forward a $1 trillion economy that has been historically undervalued. By facilitating dialogue & partnerships, C4 aims to redefine the future of handicrafts.”

“There is an urgent need to revive consumers’ interest in crafts and make crafts relevant to increasingly urban lifestyles. Efforts are needed to sensitise the emerging middle class consumer to the history and value of crafts in India to ensure a robust domestic market,” Dr. Megha Phansalkar said. Building an ecosystem of collaboration will align the roles of different stakeholders each of whom can support artisans in different ways. Leading academic institution like HSNC University can have a major role to play, she added.

The second session included a panel on circularity and creativity which delved deeper into the transformative potential of craft, sustainability and the role of social enterprises in driving economic and social impact.

Dr. Abhishek Lakhtaria, CEO, Adani Foundation, shared a fascinating story of empowerment from Gujarat. A young girl in Gujarat, who received a cow as a wedding gift, transformed her entrepreneurial journey with support from Adani Foundation. Starting with milk sales, she expanded into high-value products like A2 ghee and buttermilk. The Foundation assisted with livestock management, cattle breeding and branding. Her dairy business grew from 1 to 70 cows, generating over Rs 1 crore annually. She is now also a permanent speaker at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.

The panel featured a true changemaker, Mrs. Swati Mohite, co-founder of AAI Day Care Sanstha. Inspired by her daughter’s diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy 30 years ago, she overcame the stigma surrounding the mentally challenged, to create a better world for her child. After completing her B.Ed, she founded the Aai Day Care Centre to support children with similar needs. Today, the center provides care and training to differently-abled individuals, aged 3 to 55, teaching them skills such as making paper bags, sari covers, agarbattis,  rakhis, diyas, lanterns, artificial flowers and floating candles.

Mr. Mahendra Gamare, General Manager, Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), revealed “MAVIM’s self-help group (SHG) movement today covers more than 20 lakh women in Maharashtra, through a network of 259 community-managed resource centers (CMRCs). It has been recognised by the International Labour Organisation, and is the State Women’s Development Corporation of the State Government of Maharashtra. Our work across the state of Maharashtra has already become a model for several other states nationally. Notably, SHGs’ bank repayment is almost 99%, underscoring their credit discipline and reliability”.

Ms. Archana Chandra, CEO, Jai Vakeel Foundation & Research shared “Within disability, intellectual disability (ID) is the least understood and the most invisible. Around two per cent of India's population has ID, which, if loosely broken down, is 1 in 50 people. These children are almost invisible and are kept away in their houses”. The larger goal in life for most people is to go out in the world and make a place for themselves by making a living based on the talent and skills one possesses. The 80-year foundation’s sheltered workshop at the campus for the students of the ages from 18 to 50 does just that. 

The marquee Conclave aimed at transforming how we think about waste, women’s empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. Its core mission is to turn creativity into impactful action, focusing on four key pillars: Waste-to-Wealth, Women Empowerment, Urban Craft Integration and Digital & Creative Livelihoods.

The theme of this first-of-its-kind Conclave centered around "Innovation through Creativity", showcasing how creative approaches can address pressing social, environmental, and cultural challenges.

Fashion for Change: Repurposing Threads

A fashion show titled ‘Bargaah’ (shelter or sanctuary) by HSNC University students perfectly captured the spirit of the Conclave. Each creation in Bargaah was more than just a piece of clothing—it was a narrative, a story woven together with threads of heritage, sustainability, upcycled materials and ancient craftsmanship. ‘Bargaah’ started with a Khadi story and showcased five vibrant and creative collections -Daivya Yog (eco-conscious Khadi garments from Tisser’s Kasturba Solar Khadi Centre in Amravati);  Navsrijan (made from upcycled plastic and T-shirt remnants); Kunbi Katha (with its vibrant patterns and homage to Goan heritage); Indradhanush (inspired by the bold hues of PochampallyIkat & honouring Telangana’s rich heritage) and Dastakaari (a sustainable collection created from denim trousers collected through Tisser’s Waste to Wealth initiative in collaboration with NMMC (Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation).The designs drew deeply from India’s rich textile history, while also embracing modern sustainable practices, ensuring that these beautiful traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.

As the show concluded, it left the audience not just in awe of the beautiful garments but also inspired by the meaningful impact of supporting sustainable fashion and empowering communities.

There was an exhibition titled ‘Threads of Transformation’ with stalls for sale of high-demand, curated artisan products, handloom, handicrafts which got sold out quickly.