Varanasi’s Badge-Making Legacy: A Story of Revival, Craftsmanship, and Global Reach A silent revolution is taking place in the busy lanes of Varanasi, the oldest continuing city in India. For generations, the local artisans of this city have passed down their crafts, and now they are at the forefront of global military apparel. The badges they meticulously create, once limited to a niche market, are now proudly worn by military personnel in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and beyond. Its roots have been in the hard work of these craftsmen, but also primarily in the visionary leadership by the Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath’s administration and PM Modi’s government through its policy of 'Make in India'. The Turning Point: GI Certification and Global Opportunity The reason why the badge-making industry started gaining momentum in Varanasi goes back to 2014 when PM Narendra Modi’s government facilitated ‘Geographical Indication’ certification for these artisanal products. Until then, the industry faced an uphill task in finding skilled workers and lacked demand to grow sustainably. GI certification, a seal of quality and authenticity, opened their gates to global markets and gave these artisans direct access to buyers and exporters. But for local artisans, like Arun or Shadab—who invested their entire life in mastering the craft—the change has been monumental. "The GI certification gave us a platform to showcase our skills at the global level," he recalls. Orders started flowing in, and suddenly the centuries-old craft found new life. The artisans of Lallapura, one of Varanasi's key badge-making centres, now work tirelessly to meet international demand. This industry has gotten a greater boost due to the removal of middlemen by coming into direct contact with foreign buyers, thus letting artisans profit from the fruits of their hard work. Yogi Adityanath Leadership: A Blend of Skills with Vision Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the measures are being taken seriously in the direction of reviving old traditional crafts and local industries in Uttar Pradesh. Governance by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been pivotal in ensuring this badge-making enterprise not only survives but thrives in the global arena. Improvements in infrastructure, encouragement of entrepreneurship, and the 'Made in India' ethos have found active support from his administration. It is this combination of grassroots craftsmanship with political vision that provided an opening for the artisans of Varanasi on to the world stage. What strikes a chord about this revival is not merely the scale of international recognition, but that it draws its roots from centuries of tradition. Most artisans, like Guddu, are from families with more than a century-old involvement with the business. Yet, for much of their lives, they worked in obscurity, fighting to keep the craft alive. "We have been working our whole life for this," says Guddu. "But after the GI certification, the business got a big spike." A Symbol of 'Make in India' and National Pride The Varanasi badge-making enterprise is not just a local success story; it is a symbol of India's growing stature on the world stage. This is one of the industries that exist in a world where manufacturing and craftsmanship usually go behind floodgates. Automation stands as a beacon of human skill, dedication, and cultural heritage. The badges crafted by artisans of Varanasi now proudly adorn the caps as India's contribution to global military apparel, worn by some of the most powerful armies of the world. The success story also underlines the effective utilisation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative 'Make in India' to enhance domestic manufacturing and entrepreneurship. By issuing GI certifications and removing barriers for artisans to reach the international market, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government has cleared the path to ensure that India's craftsmen are recognised for their skills and the products find their rightful place on the global stage. Craftsmanship in the Modern World: A Story of Survival and Adaptation The resurgence of Varanasi's badge-making industry is more than just a victory for artisans like Shadab, Arun, or Guddu; it is a victory for the ability of India to wed its rich traditions with modernity. For in the growth of this industry lies a reminder that even in these truly technologically dominated times of mass production, there is indeed a place for the singular, the handcrafted, and the authentic. As Varanasi-made badges don on world militaries, they will also be carrying with them bits of India's rich cultural heritage. This is not merely an economic achievement—it is a cultural one. The badges, with their intricate designs and precise craftsmanship, are a small but significant reminder of India’s enduring contribution to the world. The story of the badge-making artisans of Varanasi is far from over. As the world looks to India for craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation, the artisans of Uttar Pradesh stand ready to take on the challenge. With Yogi Adityanath's support and Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, the stage is set for even greater achievements. Varanasi artisans are not simply making badges; they are carving out a future where the heritage of India is identified and accorded respect in the world.