Agartala, December 9, 2025: Tripura artisan Ranjit Das from East Nalchar in Sepahijala district has earned national acclaim after receiving the President’s Award for his exceptional bamboo basket craftsmanship. He was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The event featured the presentation of the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024, which recognise master artisans for their contribution to safeguarding India’s traditional crafts. This year, 12 artisans received the prestigious Shilp Guru Awards, while 36 were conferred with National Awards.

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, senior officials, and dignitaries attended the ceremony, reflecting the significance of the country’s handicraft sector in cultural preservation and livelihood promotion.

Das, who learned bamboo craft from his father, has devoted his life to perfecting the art. Alongside producing bamboo items with his family, he also trains young artisans, helping nurture the next generation of craft practitioners. His wife, Phul Kumari, expressed pride in his achievement, describing the award as a tribute to years of dedication and perseverance.

The recognition has been widely celebrated in Tripura, a state renowned for its bamboo-based craftsmanship. Officials and community members said the honour would motivate aspiring artisans to pursue the craft as a sustainable vocation and contribute to preserving indigenous artistic heritage.