Nita Ambani’s Swadesh Brings India’s Artisanal Heritage To Paris

Swadesh, an initiative by Nita Ambani’s Reliance Foundation, is introducing Indian luxury to Paris. The India House at the Paris Olympics, which opened its doors to visitors today, features a Swadesh pavilion that showcases India’s rich heritage of textiles and handicrafts.

India House is the nation’s first country house at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, conceived by the Reliance Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). In addition to exploring Indian handicrafts at the Swadesh pavilion, Olympic enthusiasts can savor chaat and enjoy desi performances at India House.

Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani, who was unanimously re-elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee from India this year, described Swadesh as an initiative to promote India’s arts and crafts and a tribute to the country’s artisans.

The official Instagram account of India House shared glimpses of the Swadesh handicrafts pavilion. The pavilion features painted plates, intricately woven rugs, tapestries, metalwork figurines, Jaipuri block-printed bags, fabrics, and more.

Here is a look at the post:

“Our story hits a new milestone with the Swadesh Pavilion at @indianolympichouse. As the nation rallies behind its athletes for the Paris Olympics, we celebrate the spirit of our very own artisans,” Swadesh also posted on Instagram. “Join us in honouring both, as we showcase the finest of Indian craftsmanship on a global stage,” the caption read.

Nita Ambani launched the first standalone Swadesh handicrafts store in Hyderabad last year. “Swadesh is an ode to Indian art and artisans. It is wonderful to start our journey of ‘Swadesh’ from Hyderabad. India has a rich history of culture and tradition. So, Swadesh is a humble tribute to artisans of India,” she said at the launch event in November 2023.

The Reliance Foundation chairperson attended the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday along with her husband Mukesh Ambani.