Rachita Rath
Affiliation: XIM University, Bhubaneswar
Rachita Rath is a PhD researcher in Sustainable Development at XIM University, Bhubaneswar, specialising in rural handmade economies, heritage crafts and responsible consumption. Her work focuses on reviving languishing Nalia grass basketry in coastal Odisha through material innovation, utility product design and artisan capacity-building aligned with SDG 12. With over 15 years’ experience in handicraft design and development across DC(H), SIDAC, EPCH and SWADESH, she contributes practice-based insights on indigenous natural fibers, eco-labelling and standardization as tools to strengthen sustainable consumption, transparent communication and dignified livelihoods in craft-based communities.