Namasthe World has signed a Rs. 36.24-crore memorandum of understanding with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish sustainable handloom, apparel and toy manufacturing centres in Kurnool and Visakhapatnam, with the project expected to create about 950 direct and 100 indirect employment opportunities.
The agreement was signed at the 31st CII Partnership Summit on Thursday. Namasthe World, a Hyderabad-based storytelling and toy startup founded by Bhuma Mounika Manchu and actor-entrepreneur Manchu Manoj, is partnering with the state government on the proposed manufacturing ecosystem.
According to the details released about the agreement, the facilities will combine handloom, apparel and toy production rather than treating them as separate activities. Handloom fabric is expected to be converted into garments, while surplus material will be used to make dolls and soft toys. The proposed model is intended to reduce waste within the production process.
The employment estimate includes approximately 950 direct jobs at or around the proposed facilities and 100 indirect positions across supply chains, logistics and ancillary services. The announcement did not provide a construction schedule, facility-wise investment split, land details or an operational start date for the centres.
Bhuma Mounika Manchu, Founder and CEO of Namasthe World, said the company’s vision was to turn India’s cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship into contemporary businesses with global relevance. Manchu Manoj, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, said the company wanted to examine how creativity, technology and entertainment could support traditional industries and create new livelihoods.
The proposed centres connect manufacturing with the existing skills and production systems associated with handlooms and textiles. Their stated design also places toy production within the same value chain, using surplus fabric to create additional products. This could allow the project to link craft production, apparel-making, product design, logistics and ancillary services across the two locations, although the MoU details do not specify how the supply chain will be organised.
The announcement forms part of the investment discussions at the CII Partnership Summit, where Namasthe World also presented its toy collection to Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry. The minister subsequently launched the company’s calendar.
Further details on implementation, including the timeline for establishing the Kurnool and Visakhapatnam centres and the process for converting the MoU into operating facilities, were not included in the announcement.
