On 19th January 2026, students of FDDI visited the craft cluster Shilpkala Kendra, Bhagwanpur (Bihar), owned by Mr. Nagmani Roy, to gain first-hand exposure to the “Waste-to-Wealth” model and design development practices in the Water Hyacinth (Jal Kumbhi) craft sector.
The educational visit was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Renu Sharma, Ms. Anisha Modi, and Mr. Praween Khalkho, who facilitated interactive learning sessions with the artisans. Students observed the complete process of transforming water hyacinth—from cleaning and drying to its conversion into a strong natural fibre—used in creating contemporary products such as bags, mats, and baskets.
The cluster stands as a notable example of sustainable design, environmental responsibility, and women empowerment, showcasing how eco-friendly practices can address environmental challenges while generating livelihood opportunities. The visit significantly enriched students’ understanding of sustainable craft development and reinforced FDDI’s commitment to responsible and innovative design education.
