HunarSetu: Bridging the Gap Between India’s Traditional Artisans and the Digital Economy

Yuvan Aggarwal with textile artisan registered with Hunarsetu

HunarSetu, a technology-driven social enterprise, is empowering India’s artisans by connecting traditional craftsmanship with digital markets, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for millions engaged in the country’s artisan economy.

India’s artisan sector sustains over 200 million livelihoods, with nearly 7 million practicing artisans, many earning less than $4 a day. Economic shocks and competition from mass-manufactured goods have forced nearly 30 percent of artisans to abandon their crafts in recent years.

Founded by Yuvan Aggarwal, HunarSetu addresses these challenges by enabling artisans to access digital marketplaces through vernacular, mobile-first interfaces that support multiple Indian languages and even tribal dialects. For artisans with limited literacy, HunarSetu offers voice-based navigation and AI-powered cataloguing, allowing users to photograph products and automatically generate tags and descriptions.

“Our vision is to build a bridge between heritage and opportunity,” said Yuvan Aggarwal, Founder & CEO of HunarSetu. “Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity often doesn’t. HunarSetu ensures India’s artisans can participate in the modern economy with dignity and independence.”

Since its inception four years ago, HunarSetu has connected over 12,000 artisans and 50,000 products to buyers across India. The platform also integrates UPI-based direct payments, enabling artisans to receive secure, instant earnings without intermediaries. Additional features include micro-credit access, basic insurance, and digital storytelling profiles that showcase artisans’ heritage and craftsmanship.

More than 50 percent of India’s artisans are women and members of marginalized communities. By integrating tools such as WhatsApp and SMS-based selling, HunarSetu enables them to conduct business remotely, overcoming traditional mobility barriers.

“Financial and digital inclusion must go hand-in-hand,” added Aggarwal. “HunarSetu is redefining how we value craftsmanship — not just as commerce, but as culture.”

About HunarSetu

HunarSetu is a social-impact platform that connects India’s artisans to digital markets through vernacular technology, AI-assisted cataloguing, and secure payment systems. The initiative seeks to revive India’s artisan economy by promoting fair earnings, financial inclusion, and cultural recognition.

hunarsetu.com

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