Andhra Pradesh has signed a ₹36.24-crore MoU with Hyderabad-based Namasthe World to establish sustainable apparel, handloom and toy manufacturing centres in Kurnool and Visakhapatnam, with the proposed facilities expected to create around 1,050 jobs.
The agreement was signed with the state government at the 31st CII Partnership Summit on Thursday. The project is planned as an integrated manufacturing ecosystem in which handloom fabric would be converted into garments, while surplus material would be used to make dolls and soft toys.
According to the details shared by Namasthe World, the facilities are expected to generate about 950 direct jobs and 100 indirect employment opportunities across supply chains, logistics and ancillary services. The announcement places traditional production, local employment and value-added manufacturing within the same investment proposal.
Namasthe World was founded by Bhuma Mounika Manchu, who serves as its founder and chief executive, with actor and entrepreneur Manchu Manoj as co-founder and chief innovation officer. Mounika Manchu said the partnership was intended to connect India’s cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship with contemporary businesses and global markets.
“We are excited to build something that creates both economic and social impact,” she said, adding that the company already has a retail partnership with Reliance Brands. Manoj said the company wanted to examine how creativity, technology and entertainment could support traditional industries and create new livelihoods.
The proposed initiative also includes plans to explore artificial intelligence and robotics for Etikoppaka and Kondapalli toys, according to Manoj. Both are associated with Andhra Pradesh’s traditional toy-making heritage, although the material supplied does not specify the technology, investment or implementation timeline for that component.
At the summit, Namasthe World presented its toy collection to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who launched the company’s calendar. Goyal said traditional toys and cultural narratives had the potential to represent India’s identity in global markets.
The proposal received support from Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharat, Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board chief executive Sagili Shan Mohan and Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles Rekha Rani. Their statements highlighted market access for artisans, sustainable manufacturing, employment generation and the preservation of traditional skills.
The state government said the proposed facilities could strengthen apparel, handloom and toy manufacturing while creating opportunities for local artisans, entrepreneurs and allied businesses. The supplied announcement does not specify land allotment, construction schedules, production capacity, financing milestones or when the proposed centres are expected to become operational.
