Maharashtra's tribal enterprise brand Shabari Naturals has earned a double distinction — winning the prestigious G-Mark Global Design Award for its packaging inspired by traditional tribal art forms, and receiving a special mention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 139th edition of Mann Ki Baat. The award will be conferred by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion in Tokyo on 4 November 2026, sparking widespread joy among tribal communities across Maharashtra.

Modi's Mann Ki Baat Spotlight

In his radio broadcast, Prime Minister Modi lauded Shabari Naturals for putting tribal craftsmanship on the global stage. Modi said, 'Shabari Naturals has provided a broad market for the traditional arts, skills and products of our tribal brethren through natural products. The initiative is promoting the ideas of Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat while giving a new direction to tribal entrepreneurship.' The shout-out in one of India's most widely listened radio programmes has amplified the brand's visibility manifold.

What the G-Mark Award Represents

The G-Mark — Global Design Award is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honours in the field of design worldwide. Shabari Naturals was recognised specifically for its product packaging, which draws on the visual vocabulary of tribal art traditions. The award is conferred by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, and the felicitation ceremony is scheduled in Tokyo on 4 November 2026. The recognition marks a rare moment where indigenous Indian craftsmanship earns validation on an international design stage.

The Products and Communities Behind the Brand

Shabari Naturals is a Maharashtra government initiative aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods for tribal producers spread across multiple districts. Products are consolidated at a hub in Nashik before reaching customers through online orders, exhibitions, a physical store, and social media channels.

The brand's portfolio spans a wide range of tribal produce. The Gond community in Bhandara district contributes honey and mahua syrup, while the Kokna and Bhil communities in Dhule produce mahua oil and mahua chocolate. Nashik district supplies Indrayani rice, and the Igatpuri region contributes ragi-based products. Yavatmal provides tur dal (pigeon pea), and Ahilyanagar supplies black rice and varai (little millet).

The brand also offers several varieties of honey — Jamun, Karvi, Tulsi, and Wild Forest. Of these, Karvi honey is particularly rare: the Karvi plant blooms only once every seven years. Cultural artefacts such as Bohada masks from the Nashik region and Dokra crafts from the Madia Gond community in Bhamragarh, Gadchiroli district are also part of its offerings.

Community Response and the Road Ahead

Diwan Sonone, a marketing executive for Shabari Naturals, described the moment as deeply meaningful. 'It is a matter of great delight and happiness for us that the culture, traditions, art, and products of tribal communities are gaining recognition and respect — not just nationally, but internationally as well. Shabari Natural is more than just a brand; it is a medium to share the tribal heritage of Maharashtra with the wider public,' he said.

Sonone also appealed to citizens to explore and purchase Shabari Naturals products, noting that every purchase directly supports tribal artisans and contributes to the preservation of their art and traditions. With global recognition secured and a prime-time radio endorsement from the Prime Minister, the brand is positioned for significantly greater reach — both within India and abroad.