Atmanirbhar boost: Assam artisan expands Kaziranga sculpture hub through government initiatives

Assam artisan Ashim Neog has turned his passion for sculpture into a model of self-reliance and entrepreneurship in Kaziranga. From a modest stall in front of his home along National Highway 715 at Kuthori, Neog’s wooden creations have become a point of attraction for travelers, tourists, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Neog’s outlet has emerged as a thriving hub for handcrafted art, particularly for domestic and international tourists visiting Kaziranga National Park. His wooden figurines, most notably of the one-horned rhinoceros, bison, elephants, birds, and other wildlife species are widely purchased as symbolic souvenirs of Kaziranga’s heritage.

These sculptures not only celebrate the region’s biodiversity but also represent the growing role of local artisans in blending culture with sustainable livelihood. Neog’s initiative highlights how small-scale entrepreneurship can thrive when aligned with Assam’s tourism economy.

Acknowledging the support extended to him under the Atmanirbhar Scheme, Neog expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for encouraging small businesses to flourish. He noted that government backing has allowed him to expand his enterprise and inspire others in the community to seek self-reliance through creativity and craftsmanship.