Visakhapatnam, November 13, 2026: Namasthe World, the Hyderabad based storytelling and toy startup founded by Bhuma Mounika Manchu along with actor and entrepreneur Manchu Manoj, is looking to bring traditional handloom craftsmanship and toy manufacturing under one sustainable business model in Andhra Pradesh.
The company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish sustainable apparel, handloom and toy manufacturing centres in Kurnool and Visakhapatnam, with a proposed investment of ₹36.24 crore.
Signed on Thursday at the 31st CII Partnership Summit, the initiative is built around a zero waste manufacturing approach that aims to give textile materials a second life. Under the proposed model, handloom fabric will be converted into garments, while surplus material will be used to manufacture dolls and soft toys.
Beyond manufacturing, the project aims to create a connected ecosystem that brings traditional artisans, modern production practices and contemporary consumer markets together.
The two facilities are expected to generate around 950 direct jobs and another 100 indirect employment opportunities across supply chains, logistics and ancillary services.
For Namasthe World, the partnership represents an opportunity to take India’s traditional craftsmanship beyond its existing markets and build commercially viable products around indigenous art and cultural heritage.
“Our vision with Namasthe World is to turn India’s incredible cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship into contemporary, globally relevant businesses. Having grown up in a political family, I have seen how governance, public institutions and community engagement play a critical role in translating vision into action. This partnership is a significant step towards empowering artisans, creating sustainable manufacturing opportunities and taking Andhra Pradesh’s handlooms, textiles and toys to the world. We are excited to build something that creates both economic and social impact,” said Bhuma Mounika Manchu, Founder and CEO of Namasthe World.
She added that the company already has a retail partnership with Reliance Brands and is now looking to strengthen its presence through its association with the Andhra Pradesh government.
Technology and creativity to support traditional crafts
Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer Manchu Manoj sees the initiative as an opportunity to connect creative industries with traditional manufacturing.
“Cinema and entertainment have always had the power to influence culture, connect communities and create aspirations. I believe the creative industries can go much beyond storytelling and become powerful engines of economic opportunity. Through Namasthe World, we want to explore how creativity, technology and entertainment can support traditional industries, create new livelihoods, take India’s cultural strengths to a global audience and make ‘Made in Andhra Pradesh’ a global identity,” he said.
The company is also exploring the use of emerging technologies in traditional toy making. Manoj said it is reaching out to leading technology companies to bring artificial intelligence and robotics into the production and development of Etikoppaka and Kondapalli toys.
The idea is to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology while retaining the cultural identity of indigenous toys.
Union minister Piyush Goyal, Rammohan Naidu back the cultural export vision of Namasthe World
At the CII Partnership Summit, Namasthe World showcased its toy collection to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who also launched the company’s calendar.
Goyal appreciated the company’s approach of taking traditional Indian culture and presenting it in a format that could appeal to international audiences. He said indigenous toys and cultural storytelling have the potential to represent India’s identity in global markets.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu also highlighted the importance of creating stronger market opportunities for artisans, noting that initiatives such as Namasthe World could connect traditional skills with wider commercial opportunities.
Andhra Pradesh Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharat said the state was keen to attract investments that generate employment, strengthen local industries and unlock the potential of traditional sectors.
The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board CEO, Sagili Shan Mohan, IAS, said the proposed project could strengthen sustainable apparel, handloom and toy manufacturing while creating opportunities for local artisans and entrepreneurs.
Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles Rekha Rani, IAS, emphasised the need to preserve traditional skills while connecting artisan communities with contemporary markets, design innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices.
BJP Andhra Pradesh State President P.V.N. Madhav also highlighted the role technology could play in preserving indigenous craftsmanship and taking traditional art forms to new audiences.
Building on its earlier Andhra Pradesh partnership
The latest agreement builds on Namasthe World’s earlier MoU with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, signed on October 26, 2026, in Tirupati.
The three year agreement focuses on promoting the state’s tourism and cultural heritage through storytelling initiatives centred on traditional Etikoppaka and Kondapalli toys. Plans include developing original characters, short films and QR linked experiences to introduce these craft traditions to wider audiences.
Since its inception, Namasthe World has developed more than 55 original plush toy designs and sold over 43,000 BIS certified toys. The company has established a presence across India and has also attracted interest from the Indian diaspora overseas.
With the latest investment proposal, the startup is looking to extend its storytelling and cultural promotion efforts into manufacturing, creating a model that connects artisan livelihoods, sustainable production and consumer products.
The proposed zero waste approach will be central to that ambition. By finding uses for surplus handloom fabric instead of treating it as manufacturing waste, Namasthe World is seeking to build a business model where traditional weaving and toy making support each other.
The success of the project will ultimately depend on how effectively the proposed centres translate this concept into production scale, sustained employment and wider market access for Andhra Pradesh’s artisans.
