Vajirbhai Kotwalia: A Beacon of Hope Supported by Adani Foundation

Bharuch : In the quiet village of Hathakundi in the Netrang taluk of Bharuch district, a remarkable craftsman named Vajirbhai Kotwalia is on a mission to preserve and enhance the traditional bamboo art of his community. His dedication and the unwavering support from the Adani Foundation have taken his campaign to new heights, earning him an esteemed invitation to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India.

Vajirbhai Kotwalia’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With limited resources, he has managed to engage 50 members of his community in the bamboo art business. Participating in various fairs and exhibitions with the support of government and organizations, Vajirbhai and his family have remained steadfast in their commitment to their craft while many others gave up due to financial constraints.

It was during this time that Ms. Ushaben Mishra, CSR Head of Adani Foundation, Dahej, recognized the importance of supporting Vajirbhai in preserving this art form. With their assistance, a Sakhi Mandal of Kotwalia community women was formed and registered as “Jai Dev Mogra Ma Group Hathakundi.” This group was given a platform to showcase and sell their products at the Gram Bharti event held at the corporate house of the Adani Group in Ahmedabad. The highlight of the occasion was their opportunity to meet the Chairman of the Adani Group, Gautam Adani and the Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, Dr. Priti Adani.

The exposure and recognition received at Gram Bharti opened doors for Vajirbhai and his group, providing them with greater opportunities to sell their products. They also collaborated with government offices such as DRDA, DIC, and Tribal Sub-plans to take advantage of various government schemes. Understanding the need to strengthen Vajirbhai and his associated group, the Adani Foundation extended support by providing necessary woodworking machinery. Recently, a cutting and polishing bamboo toolbox was gifted by the Head of Adani Foundation CSR, Gujarat, Ms. Ranthaben Shah. These machines will enable them to create competitive products, save time in cutting bamboo cords, and increase their earnings.

The upcoming visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi during the first week of June has filled Vajirbhai Kotwalia with immense excitement. As a representative of the Kotwalia society, his contributions to the art of bamboo work have been recognized by government officials, earning him the privilege to represent the community at such a prestigious event. Vajirbhai expresses his deep gratitude to the Adani Foundation for the unwavering support and cooperation they have extended. The provision of machinery marks a significant milestone in his journey, and he is immensely thankful for the invaluable assistance.

Vajirbhai Kotwalia’s story is a testament to the power of preserving cultural heritage and fostering sustainable livelihoods. With the Adani Foundation’s support, his community’s bamboo art has flourished, empowering artisans and uplifting their lives. As Vajirbhai embarks on this momentous journey to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, he carries with him the dreams, aspirations, and rich cultural heritage of the Kotwalia society. The Adani Foundation continues to be a guiding light, dedicated to nurturing talent, preserving traditions, and making a positive impact in society.