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To empower rural communities—especially women—by turning ecological adversity into opportunity. Through the sustainable transformation of invasive water hyacinth into eco-friendly handicrafts, we aim to build resilient livelihoods, restore aquatic ecosystems, and promote climate-conscious entrepreneurship. This initiative fosters a circular economy where environmental restoration and social empowerment go hand in hand, creating lasting impact for people and the planet.
As part of World Water Day, the Svarnim Puducherry team organized the Water Fest ‘24 valedictory event at Gandhi Thindal. Dr. Vinoth Kumar of Svarnim Puducherry, SAS, gave a welcome speech during the occasion, which was organized by the Sri Aurobindo Society. The event was introduced by Raghunath T.P., director of Svarnim Puducherry, SAS, and Joy Ganguly from Svarnim Puducherry, SAS. Various organizations, including Mahindra Holidays and Resorts, the Alliance for Good Governance, and the Confederation of Puducherry Government Employees, felicitated the event. Dr. T. Sundararaman, from Pondicherry Science Forum, delivered a special address, and Geetha D., from Svarnim Puducherry, SAS, presented the vote of thanks. Furthermore, from February 27 to March 22, 2024, the Svarnim Puducherry carried out a workshop at Kalanjiyam, Bahour, on handicrafts made with water hyacinth as part of a livelihood training program for women. Through the use of invasive species as a source of livelihood, the handicrafts were all on exhibit at Gandhi Thindal to educate the public about the repurposing of water hyacinths and to complement conservation initiatives.
As part of Water Fest '25, a transformative Livelihood Workshop on Water Hyacinth was held from 27th February to 22nd March 2025 at Kalanjiyam, Bahour. Over the course of 24 intensive days, 21 women from the local community were trained in the sustainable craft of converting invasive water hyacinth into durable, marketable products. Led by master trainers and BIRD Foundation-certified artisans, the workshop covered every stage of the process—from the harvesting and drying of water hyacinth to weaving it into functional and eco-friendly crafts such as baskets, trays, and home décor items. The initiative not only promoted eco-conscious resource utilization but also created a path for economic empowerment and skill development for rural women. Through hands-on training, life skills development, and entrepreneurial guidance, this workshop showcased the power of turning an environmental problem into a community-driven solution for livelihood and resilience.
As part of the International Biodiversity Day celebrations on 22nd May, Auro Vanam hosted a special Water Hyacinth Craft Demonstration for the visiting members of the Puducherry Biodiversity Council and the Directorate of Forest and Wildlife. The demonstration highlighted how this invasive aquatic plant, often seen as an ecological threat, can be transformed into sustainable, handwoven handicrafts. The visitors were introduced to the entire process—from harvesting and drying to weaving—and witnessed firsthand how women artisans are turning an environmental challenge into eco-friendly livelihoods. This initiative reflects Auro Vanam’s commitment to conservation through creativity and community empowerment.
Beautifully handcrafted products from the Livelihood Workshop on Water Hyacinth, held from 27th February to 22nd March 2025 at Kalanjiyam, Bahour, were proudly showcased at the Valedictory Program of Water Fest '25 on 23rd March at Rock Beach, Puducherry. These crafts—created by 21 women trained over 24 days—reflected the transformation of an invasive plant into sustainable livelihood. Baskets, trays, planters, and coasters made from locally harvested water hyacinth highlighted not only artisan skill but also the environmental and economic potential of eco-crafts. The exhibition drew attention to how ecological restoration and women's empowerment can go hand in hand, symbolizing a larger call for sustainable and inclusive community action.
We’re excited to share that our handcrafted Water Hyacinth products, created during the 24-day livelihood workshop at Bahour, have now been professionally photographed and listed on the Aura Experience Store! These eco-friendly, artisan-made items—ranging from coasters to trays—are a testament to sustainable innovation and women's empowerment. Each purchase supports local livelihoods and aquatic ecosystem restoration. Shop now: auraexperiencestore.com and be a part of the change.
Water hyacinth, though striking in appearance, is one of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants. Rapidly spreading across freshwater bodies, it chokes local ecosystems, disrupts native biodiversity, depletes oxygen levels, and affects the livelihoods of communities dependent on these water sources. In the Bahour region of Puducherry, like in many rural pockets of India, this infestation has become a pressing environmental challenge.
Rather than viewing water hyacinth solely as a threat, our initiative reframes it as a resource. Drawing inspiration from nature-based solutions and community resilience, we launched a livelihood program focused on converting this ecological nuisance into opportunity. Women from local communities are trained to harvest, dry, and skillfully craft water hyacinth into durable, market-ready handicraft products—fostering income generation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable innovation. This project forms a vital part of our larger mission to align ecological restoration with rural empowerment
Name : Geetha
Ph : +91 81900 37932
Email : [email protected]
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