Shabari Naturals, a Maharashtra government initiative, received the G-Mark – Global Design Award on 25 October 2026 for packaging inspired by traditional tribal art. The Japan Institute of Design Promotion is scheduled to formally present the award in Tokyo on 4 November 2026. Leena Bansod, Managing Director of the Nashik-headquartered Shabari Tribal Finance and Development Corporation (STFDC), will accept it on behalf of the Maharashtra government.
G-Mark Award and Recognition
The award recognises Shabari Naturals’ packaging design, which draws on tribal art forms and depictions of tribal culture and legends. The award gives the initiative the right to display the G-Mark logo on its packaging. Shabari Naturals had previously received the India Design Mark. Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the award in his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, on 25 October 2026. He spoke about the initiative’s promotion of tribal products and the “Vocal for Local” movement. Maharashtra Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uike said the award recognised tribal culture and the work of tribal communities.
Tribal Art Forms in the Packaging
The packaging incorporates Warli, Gond and Chitrakathi art. Warli painting is a tribal art tradition associated with Maharashtra and commonly uses geometric shapes to depict people, nature and daily activities. Gond art is associated with Gond communities and often uses patterned lines and dots to represent natural subjects and stories. Chitrakathi is a narrative painting tradition associated with Maharashtra. It uses painted images to tell stories. The packaging also includes depictions of tribal culture and legends.
Products and Tribal Livelihoods
Shabari Naturals markets natural and organic products associated with tribal communities. Its product range includes wild honey, unpolished rice, pulses, millets, spices and handmade traditional artefacts. The initiative aims to support tribal communities by marketing their products.
Important Facts for Exams
- The G-Mark – Global Design Award presentation is scheduled for 4 November 2026 in Tokyo.
- Leena Bansod heads the Nashik-based Shabari Tribal Finance and Development Corporation.
- Warli, Gond and Chitrakathi are art forms represented in Shabari Naturals’ packaging.
- Shabari Naturals previously received the India Design Mark.
Institutional Details
The Japan Institute of Design Promotion will present the award. STFDC is headquartered in Nashik, Maharashtra, and its Managing Director is Leena Bansod. The award permits Shabari Naturals to display the G-Mark logo on its product packaging.</final
