Cotton care, Hasana Maharjan
The UNNATI program has significantly contributed to the growth of my textile business by facilitating access to new markets and customers. I work with cotton fabrics, utilizing both digital screen and block printing techniques to create products such as cushions, bedsheets, and table runners. This support has been instrumental in advancing my journey as a woman entrepreneur and in gaining well-deserved recognition for our designs.
Craft Lady, Rajana Shakya
As a women entrepreneur working to promote unique Nepali handmade products—such as prayer wheels, corn husk dolls, lokta paper crafts, and fridge magnets—mainly focused on souvenir items, the support from the UNNATI has been truly transformative. Through our partnership with CG Foundation, I’ve gained greater market visibility and valuable exposure, helping me showcase the beauty and cultural significance of our local crafts to a wider audience. This has not only boosted my business but also empowered me to continue preserving traditional Nepali artistry while creating livelihood opportunities for other women artisans.”
Honorable Gandaki Province Minister Ms. Bindu Poudel
The 10-day training on Product Design and Diversification in Natural Fiber Crafts was truly empowering, equipping participants with valuable skills to grow their craft and market reach. I appreciate UNNATI’s dedication to community empowerment and cultural preservation and look forward to future collaborations.
Deepa Sapkota (Mahila swabhalambi Krishi sahakari sanstha, Gaidakot)
Through the bio-fertilizer training at Unnati Cultural Village, I have gained practical skills and confidence. I now know how to make EM fluid and feel ready to start my own small business. With the support of UNNATI, I’m motivated to go door-to-door and sell the product, becoming more independent and self-reliant.
Roshan Bhandari (Artist)
Working with UNNATI has been a transformative journey—creatively, professionally, and personally. As an Art & Culture Manager | Curator, I had the opportunity to bridge grassroots talent with renowned voices through exhibitions, residencies, and programs across Nepal and beyond. From Resonance of Hues to Unveiled Visions and the India Art Fair 2025, each project reflected our commitment to empowering artists and celebrating Nepali culture. UNNATI’s focus on research, rural engagement, and cultural preservation made the experience deeply meaningful and creatively fulfilling.
Pradhumna Shrestha (Visual Artist, Contemporary Art exhibition)
As an artist, it is always a pleasure to feel the new horizons unveiled in the Nepali art field. Unnati Cultural Village is dedicated to developing the Nepali art field and is constantly working to support Nepali art and artists by running week- or month-long workshops and exhibitions and collecting Nepali artworks. I also got to participate in a week-long exhibition at the Unnati Cultural Village. The atmosphere was so artistic and homely. It supports me in exhibiting my artwork to a wider audience in China. I got immense responses from the audience. In that artistic environment, I got some amazing ideas and subjects for my paintings, which I will implement shortly. I want to thank the Unnati Culture Village has also collecting my artwork. And I also want to thank Surabhi Khaitan, ma’am, for her effort and love for art.
Kripa Shakya (Resident Photographer, Lens-based Residency)
The experience has expanded my knowledge and deepened my understanding of the intersection of art and culture in the daily lives of women in Nawalpur. Additionally, it has facilitated valuable connections with fellow photographers in Nepal.
Suman Tamang (Arts Management Training)
The session was an amalgamation of various management aspects that have been helpful in my artistic and professional careers. Despite being short, most of the parts were direct and specific to the objectives of concept and application. The personal sharing of the experts and their sharings was relevant to me. The aspect of budgeting was beneficial, which was often overlooked by my common friends and me while managing art programs or projects.
Roshan Prajapati (Participant, Ceramic Training)
As someone who participated in the ceramic training at Unnati Cultural Village, I must say it was an entirely new and exciting experience for me. The serene surroundings adorned with beautiful natural settings added an extra charm to the whole experience. What truly set this program apart was its uniqueness and attention to detail. I was particularly impressed with the engobe technique, which stayed as learning afterward too. It was an immersive journey that left me with a deep appreciation for the art form and unforgettable memories.
Tila Devi Aryal (Secretary, Devchuli Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
The current state of the country is challenging, and as entrepreneurs, we are struggling to survive. Unfortunately, we haven’t come across many opportunities or platforms for nurturing entrepreneurial ideas. However, UNNATI has been a valuable support system, helping us create entrepreneurs within our communities.
