The Government of India has invited 100 beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma scheme from the Delhi-NCR region as ‘Special Guests’ for the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 2026. The beneficiaries will attend the national ceremony along with their spouses or companions.
The invitation is aimed at recognising the important contribution of traditional artisans and craftspeople to India’s cultural heritage and economic development. Their presence at the historic Independence Day ceremony will also highlight the government’s efforts to support traditional occupations and improve the livelihoods of artisans across the country.
Women Artisans Among Special Guests
The group of Special Guests includes women artisans engaged in various traditional trades. Their participation reflects the growing focus on women’s economic empowerment and increased opportunities for women in traditional livelihoods.
Women artisans play an important role in preserving India’s diverse crafts, skills and cultural traditions. By supporting their participation in traditional trades, initiatives such as PM Vishwakarma seek to strengthen household incomes while ensuring that generations-old artisanal knowledge continues to thrive.
The inclusion of women beneficiaries at the Independence Day celebrations also recognises their contribution to sustaining India’s rich cultural and craft heritage.
Beneficiaries to Receive Recognition
Ahead of the Independence Day ceremony, the invited PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries will be felicitated as part of a special recognition programme. On August 14, they will be presented with souvenirs as a token of appreciation for their contribution to India’s traditional crafts and cultural heritage.
The beneficiaries will also interact with officials of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) at the Indian Institute of Public Administration in Delhi. The interaction will provide an opportunity to recognise their achievements and highlight the impact of government support on traditional artisans.
PM Vishwakarma Supports Traditional Trades
PM Vishwakarma is among the government’s flagship initiatives for artisans and craftspeople working in traditional occupations. The scheme is designed to provide comprehensive assistance to beneficiaries and help them improve their skills, productivity and income-generating opportunities.
Support under the scheme includes skill development and training, modern toolkits, financial assistance, digital enablement and market linkages. These measures are intended to help artisans adopt improved techniques, access formal financial services and expand their reach to wider markets.
So far, 30 lakh traditional artisans and craftspeople have been registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, demonstrating its extensive reach among India’s traditional workforce.
Representation of 18 Traditional Trades
The 100 invited beneficiaries represent the 18 traditional trades covered under PM Vishwakarma. These include occupations such as tailoring, carpentry, goldsmithing, blacksmithing and locksmithing, among others.
The selected beneficiaries have received various forms of assistance under the scheme, including registration, basic skill training and toolkits, along with other benefits available to eligible participants.
Their journey from traditional workplaces to the Red Fort symbolises the recognition being accorded to artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations.
Honouring India’s Craft Heritage
The participation of PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries in the 80th Independence Day celebrations is expected to provide a significant platform for acknowledging the role of traditional artisans in India’s social, economic and cultural fabric.
As they gather at the Red Fort to witness the national celebration, the Special Guests will represent millions of artisans whose craftsmanship contributes to India’s distinctive cultural identity.
The initiative underscores the government’s broader objective of combining social empowerment, skill development and economic opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods while preserving the country’s traditional crafts for future generations.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
