As one of the 9 winners across different sectors in the Republic Hackathon 2025, Tushar Ahir, the founder of Dori Handcrafts, had the incredible honor of meeting the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, at the prestigious Plenary Summit 2025. This moment stands as a symbol of national recognition, encouragement, and inspiration—not just for him, but for the entire team and community behind the vision.
The Republic Hackathon was more than just a competition. It was a national platform where innovators and changemakers addressed critical issues across sectors like healthcare, education, sustainability, technology, and social impact. Tushar Ahir, representing Dori Handcrafts, emerged as a winner in the Equity & Empowerment category—a category dedicated to solutions that promote inclusivity, uplift marginalized communities, and empower individuals, especially women.
Dori Handcrafts is a purpose-driven brand committed to empowering women through handcrafted macramé products. The brand has created opportunities for women artisans to learn, earn, and lead with dignity—preserving traditional skills while building a modern business model. Winning the Republic Hackathon was a reflection of this impactful work.
Being invited to the Plenary Summit and receiving appreciation directly from Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a moment of national pride. During the interaction, the Prime Minister showed genuine interest in the initiative and acknowledged the importance of such grassroots movements that focus on sustainable livelihoods and women-led entrepreneurship.
This achievement is not just about an individual—it represents a collective journey. It belongs to every artisan, every team member, and every supporter who has believed in Dori Handcrafts' mission. It belongs to the women who chose to dream and rise through the power of handmade creativity.
Meeting the Prime Minister reaffirmed the responsibility ahead—to continue building with purpose, to drive meaningful change, and to stay rooted in values while reaching for greater impact.
As Dori Handcrafts moves forward, this proud moment will forever serve as a source of strength and motivation to expand the mission, touch more lives, and create a more empowered, equitable India.