Media & Gallery
Videos, awards, dignitary visits, training centres, and community events from across Human Welfare Association's programmes in Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh.
Latest institutional partnership
Human Welfare Association and IIT Madras signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 25 August 2026 to launch the Artisan Empowerment Lab. The initiative will develop a trusted digital registry for GI crafts using AI, QR codes, blockchain, and related technologies to strengthen authenticity, provenance, and artisan livelihoods.
The pilot will begin with five GI craft categories in the Varanasi region and work directly with 500 artisans. Dr. Rajani Kant signed for HWA and Professor Manu Santhanam, Dean of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research, signed for IIT Madras in the presence of Director Professor Kamakoti Veezhinathan. HWA describes this as India’s first MoU of its kind focused on post-GI technological support.
Read the IIT Madras project announcement ↗
Recent recognition
Arunachal University of Studies honoured Padma Shri Dr. Rajani Kant at its 9th Convocation in Namsai on 11 February 2025. Read the story in English and Hindi, and view photographs from the convocation and related recent recognitions in Arunachal Pradesh.
Read the bilingual articleFilms, news features, and interviews featuring our work and Dr. Rajani Kant.
Independent coverage
Follow reporting and public-sector references about Padma Shri Dr. Rajani Kant—widely known as the “GI Man of India”—and HWA’s work on Geographical Indications, artisans, handlooms, and heritage livelihoods.
The report identifies HWA General Secretary Rajani Kant as the Varanasi-based technical facilitator supporting Kumartuli artisans through the Geographical Indication application process.
An IANS interview identifies Dr. Rajni Kant as a Padma Shri social worker and Geographical Indication expert known for supporting indigenous and traditional Indian products.
The festival’s speaker profile connects the Rajnikant spelling with the Varanasi-based HWA social worker, GI promoter, and Padma Shri recipient.
A reported profile of Rajni Kant, HWA, and the Varanasi-based model connecting GI protection, culture, commerce, and artisan livelihoods.
हिंदी में विस्तृत प्रोफ़ाइल—डॉ. रजनी कांत, ह्यूमन वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन और भारत में जीआई संरक्षण के काम पर।
A Government of India release on Dr. Rajani Kant’s expert session about taking local crafts to global identity through Geographical Indications.
Press Trust of India coverage of Dr. Kant’s NIFT Shillong address on GI protection as a tool for safeguarding traditional knowledge and strengthening rural artisan livelihoods.
An interview-led account of the GI registration process, the Kashi model, and Dr. Kant’s work with artisans, farmers, and traditional producer communities.
Coverage of the Arunachal Pradesh government’s recognition of Dr. Kant’s contribution to GI registration for the state’s indigenous textiles, agriculture, handloom, and handicraft products.
A report on Arunachal University of Studies honouring HWA General Secretary Rajani Kant for work in GI, IPR, sustainable development, and artisan employment.
ईटीवी भारत का वाराणसी साक्षात्कार, जिसमें डॉ. रजनीकांत जीआई संरक्षण, पंजीकरण प्रक्रिया और पारंपरिक उत्पादों की पहचान पर अपने अनुभव साझा करते हैं।
Regional coverage records official acknowledgement of Padma Shri Dr. Rajani Kant’s GI expertise in work supporting Arunachal Pradesh products, artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Coverage of Padma Shri Rajni Kant’s work with HWA to support GI registration for traditional goods and producer communities in multiple states.
A reported profile connects HWA General Secretary Rajni Kant’s GI work with renewed opportunities for traditional artisans, including Nizamabad black pottery and Banaras crafts.
The report covers HWA’s Dr. Rajani Kant receiving a NABARD-supported assignment for authorised-user registration and skill training linked to GI products in Varanasi and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
A Ministry of Tribal Affairs release names Padma Shri Dr. Rajani Kant as the expert briefing IAS officer trainees on GI processes and challenges faced by tribal producers and artisans.
A profile of Dr. Rajni Kant and Human Welfare Association traces their work linking GI and intellectual-property protection with the livelihoods of weavers, artisans, and handicraft communities.
A Government of India enterprise highlights Dr. Kant’s work safeguarding heritage and strengthening Northeastern handicrafts and handlooms through GI protection.
Names used by publishers include Rajani Kant, Rajni Kant, and Rajnikant. All references above concern Dr. Rajani Kant, General Secretary & Director of Human Welfare Association, Varanasi. External publishers control their own pages and availability.
Our complete photo archive from across three decades of programmes — advocacy, education, women’s livelihoods, child rights, agriculture, and GI work.
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