On May 25, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted a remarkable story of rural resilience during his Mann Ki Baat address: Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia, a 38-year-old veterinarian-turned-entrepreneur from Sikkim, whose brand Crafted Fibres is transforming local livelihoods through sustainable fashion. Blending angora rabbit wool, banana silk, and traditional handloom techniques, Bhutia’s initiative has empowered over 100 artisans, primarily women, to earn up to ₹30,000 monthly while preserving Sikkim’s cultural heritage.
This article delves into Bhutia’s journey, the innovative model behind Crafted Fibres, and its ripple effects on rural Sikkim.
From Angora Rabbits to Banana Silk: The Making of a Social Entrepreneur
Dr Bhutia’s story begins not in a design studio but in the villages of South Sikkim. A veterinary graduate with a postgraduate degree in animal husbandry, he spent years distributing Angora rabbits and sheep to farmers starting in 2016. His goal was simple: improve rural incomes through livestock rearing. But he soon noticed a gap, and farmers lacked the skills to process wool into marketable products.
The Pivot to Handloom
In 2024, Bhutia launched Crafted Fibres under Fibersgenesis Private Limited. The brand’s foundation was built on two pillars:
- Material Innovation: 30–40% of raw materials, like angora rabbit wool and sheep fur, are sourced locally. The rest, including banana silk and merino wool, come from Assam.
- Skill Development: Bhutia trained farmers in wool extraction, spinning, and natural dyeing using turmeric, indigo, and other eco-friendly alternatives.
“We revived old looms gathering dust in homes. Today, the same weavers who abandoned the craft are back,” Bhutia says.
The Crafted Fibres Model: Sustainability Meets Empowerment
1. Ethical Production, Global Ambitions
Crafted Fibres’ product line—shawls, stoles, socks, and gloves—avoids synthetic dyes and exploitative labour practices. Each piece sells for ₹2,000–₹5,000, targeting niche markets in Indian metros and, soon, the U.S.
2. Women at the Heart of the Movement
Of the 15–20 regular weavers, 80% are women from self-help groups (SHGs). Part-time workers from four villages join during peak demand, earning supplemental income. Artisans like Tashi Lhamo (name changed) share, “This work lets me pay for my children’s school fees without leaving my village”.
3. Institutional Backing
Collaborations with NABARD and the Sikkim government enabled Bhutia to establish a weavers’ cooperative. The state’s One Family, One Entrepreneur scheme and recent Sikkim Design Week 2025, a platform for artisan training, have further bolstered grassroots entrepreneurship.
Challenges: Balancing Growth and Values
Despite its success, Crafted Fibres faces hurdles:
- Supply Chain Limits: Only 30–40% of materials are locally sourced. Hemp and banana silk rely on Assam, increasing costs.
- Scaling Sustainably: The brand lacks a website and relies on Instagram for orders. There are plans to partner with e-commerce platforms, but Bhutia insists, “We won’t compromise on natural dyes or fair wages to cut corners.”
- Market Education: Convincing urban buyers to pay premium prices for handloom products remains a hurdle.
The Road Ahead: From Sikkim to the World
Bhutia’s vision extends beyond borders:
- Global Expansion: Talks are ongoing with U.S. buyers, and tufted carpets will debut next month to sustain artisans during off-seasons.
- Tech Integration: Digital literacy programs will train weavers to manage online sales independently.
- Cultural Preservation: Collaborations with Assam’s tribal communities and projects like Chubako, which was awarded the 2022 Global Eco Artisan Award, aim to revive endangered crafts.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang applauds Bhutia’s work: “He embodies our state’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultural pride”.
Conclusion: Weaving a Legacy
Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia’s journey from veterinary clinics to handloom workshops proves that tradition and modernity coexist. By turning Angora wool into economic hope, he’s shown how rural India can thrive without losing its soul.
As Crafted Fibres prepares for global markets, Bhutia’s mission remains clear: “We don’t just weave fabric, we weave futures.”
Support ethical fashion. Explore Crafted Fibres’ collection on Instagram @CraftedFibersOfficial.
