About
OUR STORY
The origins of the Peno brand stretch back three decades, born of a noble pursuit to preserve and breathe new life into an ancient craft. In the year 1989, the first whispers of this brand took root in the form of traditional artistry, heralding the beginning of its remarkable journey. Dr. Shriram Pawar, the visionary force behind this endeavor, recognized that the cherished legacy of the Indus culture—passed down through generations from mother to daughter—was being fragmented, torn asunder by the weight of globalization and the march of modernity. Convinced that this precious heritage could no longer be conveyed in its original form, he embarked on a mission to rescue the fading Gormati craft from the brink of extinction.
Throughout this monumental undertaking, Dr. Pawar faced a litany of challenges—insults and discouragement, as well as moments of encouragement. Yet, he remained undeterred, resolutely pursuing his goal of reviving the customs and traditions long relegated to the margins of society. The task was no less than Herculean, but with unwavering dedication, Dr. Pawar overcame every obstacle, working tirelessly to resurrect the craft and establish the brand as a beacon of hope. After his marriage, he passed on the wisdom imparted to him by his mother to his wife, thus ensuring the perpetuation of this sacred art. Through a selfless and tireless effort, he shared this knowledge with thousands of women through a non-profit organization, empowering them to become self-reliant and independent.
Mrs. Vijaya Pawar, the devoted wife of Dr. Shriram Pawar, too, has dedicated herself wholly to this noble cause. In the same spirit as her husband, she has immersed herself in the craft, adding her own contributions to its evolution by creating modern pieces that breathe fresh life into this ancient tradition. A National Award winner in her craft, she upholds the time-honored methods with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each creation is not only of the highest quality and durability but also possesses a unique charm. The vibrant hues, intricate patterns, and overall craftsmanship serve as a testament to her deep reverence for tradition, while simultaneously embracing the modern world.
The Peno brand, officially registered in 2019, has flourished, gaining recognition not only in India but in numerous countries abroad. Guided by the timeless principles of Gormati, the brand embodies the philosophy of balance in all aspects of life. Through its efforts, women artisans from rural regions have found a means of livelihood, elevating their lives and providing their families with the means to sustain themselves. In reviving this endangered art, the Peno brand has become a symbol of hope, preserving the rich legacy of Sindhu culture. It works tirelessly to bring this invaluable craftsmanship into every home, particularly in the Gormati communities of India, ensuring that a heritage once on the verge of disappearing is now safeguarded and carried forward by the hands of rural women
Dr. Shriram Pawar
Mentor of company and brand
Dr. Shriram Pawar is a multifaceted visionary—an artist, historian, philosopher, writer, and a devoted researcher of the Gormati culture. Renowned for his pioneering efforts to preserve and revive traditional Indian handicrafts, Dr. Pawar is best known as the founding force behind the Peno brand, which traces its origins back to 1989. His journey began with a noble mission: to rescue the ancient Gormati craft from the brink of extinction amidst the sweeping tides of globalization.
Recognizing the cultural erosion that was threatening the legacy passed down through generations of Gormati women, Dr. Pawar committed himself to restoring this rich heritage. Despite facing societal resistance, discouragement, and formidable challenges, his unwavering dedication led to the resurrection of these nearly lost artisanal traditions. By passing on the knowledge inherited from his mother to his wife, and further extending it to thousands of women through a non-profit initiative, he played a vital role in empowering women with self-reliance and pride in their cultural identity.
Dr. Pawar’s scholarly contributions include his seminal book Paramparik Gorbanjara Stri Kashidakari va Bharatkam, which delves into the intricate embroidery and traditional handicrafts of the Gormati community. He also authored a book on the unsung history of Malooki, shedding light on overlooked narratives and cultural legacies.
Today, Dr. Shriram Pawar stands as a beacon of cultural preservation, a passionate advocate for marginalized histories, and a respected leader in the artistic and academic communities. His life’s work continues to inspire generations to reconnect with their roots and cherish the value of indigenous knowledge.
Mrs. Vijaya Pawar
Founder, Gorbanjara Artefacts Producer Company Limited
& Creator of the Peno Brand
Mrs. Vijaya Pawar is a visionary artisan, cultural ambassador, and pioneering social entrepreneur whose work has redefined the role of women in the world of traditional handicrafts. As the founder of Gorbanjara Artefacts Producer Company Limited, she has created a powerful platform that not only revives and preserves ancient art forms but also empowers countless women by providing them with the skills, confidence, and economic independence to shape their own futures.
Deeply rooted in the rich Gormati tradition, Mrs. Pawar transformed her personal passion for craft into a broader mission—bringing forgotten arts back to life while fostering a community of empowered women artisans. With the launch of the Peno brand, she introduced the world to handcrafted products that are not just beautiful, but meaningful—each item telling a story of heritage, resilience, and pride.
Her leadership and dedication have earned her both national and international acclaim. She is the recipient of the prestigious National Award in Handicrafts and multiple global honors recognizing her role in cultural preservation and women’s empowerment. In 2020, her contributions were honored at the highest level when she was selected as one of only seven women in India to manage the social media account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on International Women’s Day—a powerful testament to her influence and impact.
Under her guidance, Gorbanjara has become more than a company—it is a movement that uplifts traditional art and the women behind it. Through her tireless efforts, Mrs. Pawar has built an ecosystem where artisans can thrive creatively and economically, and where culture is both preserved and celebrated.
Together with her husband, Dr. Shriram Pawar—a renowned artist, historian, and cultural scholar—Mrs. Vijaya Pawar has created a living legacy. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of women to take pride in their heritage, embrace their potential, and lead with creativity and purpose.
Key Achievements:
- Founder of Gorbanjara Artefacts Producer Company Limited
- Creator of the Peno brand
- Recipient of the National Award in Handicrafts
- Internationally recognized for contributions to cultural preservation
- One of 7 women to manage the Prime Minister of India’s social media on Women’s Day 2020
- Mentor to thousands of women artisans across India
Mrs. Vijaya Pawar is not just a custodian of tradition—she is a symbol of transformation. Her journey reflects the power of culture, the strength of women, and the possibility of change when heritage and heart come together.
Mr. Ranjeet Pawar
CEO of Gorbanjara Artefacts Producer Company Limited
Ranjeet Pawar: Empowering Women Through Heritage and Enterprise
Ranjeet Pawar, a young and dynamic leader, is the CEO of Gorbanjara Artefacts Producer Company Limited, an enterprise dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship and uplifting women artisans from the Gour Banjara community. With a strong academic foundation—a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Markets—Ranjeet combines financial expertise with cultural sensitivity to lead a socially impactful business.
Under his leadership, the company has become a vibrant platform for reviving traditional Gormati embroidery and other indigenous crafts, ensuring they find not only national recognition but also international markets. His mission is clear: to create sustainable livelihoods for women artisans, enabling them to become economically independent while preserving their cultural identity.
Ranjeet is known for his ground-level engagement with artisans, innovative business strategies, and a deep respect for heritage. His work bridges the gap between traditional skills and modern entrepreneurship, proving that economic empowerment and cultural preservation can go hand in hand.
By supporting hundreds of women through training, fair wages, and market access, Ranjeet Pawar is not just leading a company—he’s leading a movement toward inclusive growth and culturalPride.
Peno – The Science of Luxury, The Art of Living
Luxury is often seen as an indulgence, but at Peno, we redefine it as a way of life—one that nurtures, heals, and elevates. More than just a brand, Peno is a philosophy, a commitment to living in harmony with art, science, and well-being.
At the heart of Peno lies the ancient Gormati art style, a rare and intricate form of craftsmanship where sewing needles and fine threads create not just masterpieces but a scientifically enriched experience. Each stitch carries energy, each pattern is designed with intention, and every creation enhances the body’s natural rhythm, promoting balance and vitality
Peno is not just about beauty; it is about a refined way of living—a life where luxury meets purpose. We bring the best measures of craftsmanship, wellness, and innovation together, offering creations that are not only visually stunning but also deeply beneficial to the soul and body. For those who seek more than the ordinary, who believe that true luxury is rooted in wisdom and well-being, Peno is your journey to a life of mindful elegance. A life where tradition and science walk hand in hand, where art is more than decoration—it’s a path to a better self.
This is not just handcrafted luxury. This is the future of refined living.