Ritu Khare

Ritu Khare is a highly skilled and passionate designer and consultant committed to preserving traditional handcrafted arts and fostering development among artisans. She specializes in providing design and consultancy services to a diverse range of clients, including societies, corporations, non-governmental organizations, and government organizations. Her work is often supported by financial assistance from the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Central Region, Ministry of Textile, Government of India, aimed at conducting development workshops and projects that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styles.

Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Economics from JNV University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
• Bachelor’s degree from GND University, Amritsar, Punjab.

Technical Qualification:

• Diploma in Fashion Designing with CAD (Computer Assisted Design) from IEC SAF (Schools of Arts & Fashion) in 2000.

Present Status:

1. Empanelled as Designer with O/o DC (Handicraft), Central Region, Ministry of Textile, Government of India since 2006.
2. President of Ritu Foundation, an NGO dedicated to the development of underprivileged sections of society.
3. Fashion Consultant for various newspapers, with numerous articles published in Hindi dailies focusing on fashion and the latest trends.
4. Co-Founder of Akalk India Pvt. Ltd., catering to the business of crafts, design, and lifestyle.

Expertise/Interest (in order of preference):

1. Chikan work (4 years of experience, several projects conducted).
2. Zari Zardozi (2 years of experience, several projects conducted).
3. Other crafts of interest: Resham, Beads Embroidery, Tie-Dye, Hand Block Printing, Jewellery Making, Tharu Embroidery.

Work Experience (As Empanelled Designer): Ritu Khare has conducted numerous workshops and projects in various crafts across different regions, including but not limited to Chikan work, Zari Zardozi, Hand Block Printing, Beads Embroidery, and more. Her extensive experience spans over a decade, making her a well-respected figure in the world of traditional craftsmanship.

Work Experience (Prior to Empanelment): Before her empanelment, Ritu Khare held pivotal roles in various organizations:

• Production Manager, overseeing coordination with buying houses and manufacturing garments for renowned designers.
• Quality Control and Production Supervisor/Executive, managing quality control, coordinating work among multiple centers, and procuring raw materials.
• Fashion Instructor/Consultant, teaching fashion design skills to minority communities as selected by the State Govt. of Uttar Pradesh.
• Fashion Designer, specializing in Zari-Zardozi and Resham, and developing designs from concept to final product for both men’s and women’s attire.

Ritu Khare’s dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Indian crafts, combined with her extensive experience, education, and entrepreneurial spirit through Akalk India Pvt. Ltd., makes her a valuable asset in the field of fashion and handicrafts. Her work not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of India but also contributes to the empowerment and upliftment of artisans and underprivileged communities.