Our team
Founder - Vijaya Panwar
Vijaya Pawar is a visionary entrepreneur, master artisan, and culture ambassador dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Gormati (Banjara) hand embroidery. As the founder of Peno India, she has successfully transformed a traditional art from into a contemporary identity, creating a bridge between ancestral craftmanship and modern design.
Deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, Vijaya Pawar learned the intricate art of hand embroidery from a young age, carrying forward a legacy passed down through the generations of women. With a profound understanding of the symbolic, aesthetic, and scientific essence of Gormaati embroidery, she has played a vital role in its revival and global recognition.
Through Peno India, she has empowered numerous rural women artisans by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities skill development, and a dignified platform to showcase their craftmanship at national and international levels. Her work stands as a strong example of women-led entrepreneurship and cultural preservation.
Her remarkable contribution towards rural women empowerment and traditional arts has earned her national and international recognition. She has been honored by the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF), Switzerland, for her impactful work in uplifting rural women and preserving indigenous craft traditions.
In a prestigious national recognition, Vijaya Pawar was selected as one of the few women achievers from across India to represent grassroots empowerment. As part of this honor, she had the privilege of handling the official social media platforms of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcasing her inspiring journey and the voices of rural women artisans to the nation.
In addition to these, she has received numerous awards and accolades from government bodies, cultural institutions, and artisan platforms for her outstanding contribution to:
Preservation of Banjara (Gormaati) heritage
Promotion of traditional hand embroidery
Empowerment of rural women through livelihood initiatives
Excellence in handicrafts and entrepreneurship
Under her leadership, Peno has emerged as a symbol of authenticity, sustainability, and cultural innovation. Her creations beautifully blend traditional motifs with modern utility, making them relevant in today’s global market.
Vijaya Pawar continues to inspire generations by proving that traditional knowledge, when nurtured with vision and dedication, can become a powerful tools for social transformation and economic empowerment.
CEO - ranjeet Pawar
Ranjeet Pawar is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and strategic visionary serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Peno India, a brand dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Gormaati (Banjara) hand embroidery. With a strong commitment to cultural sustainability and innovation, he plays a pivotal role in transforming traditional craftmanship into a globally recognized enterprises.
As CEO, Ranjeet Pawar has been instrumental in building Peno into a structural and scalable brand. He oversees operations, marketing, brand development, and outreach, ensuring that the organization maintains a balance between tradition and modern business practices. His leadership has enabled Peno to expand its presence across exhibitions, digital platforms, and national-level marketplaces.
With a fordward-thinking approach, he has introduced modern branding strategies, digital promotion, and market linkages that have significantly enhanced the visibility of Gormaati embroidery. His efforts have helped position Peno as not just a handicraft brand, but a movement that represents identity, heritage, and empowerment.
Ranjeet Pawar is deeply committed to social impact. He works closely with artisan communities, especially rural women, creating sustainable livelihoood opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. His work complements the vision of empowering artisans while ensuring economic growth and dignity of labor.
Under his leadership, Peno India continues to grow as a symbol of authenticity, innovation, and cultural pride. His dedication to preserving traditional knowledge while adapting to contemporary markets makes him a key force behind the brand’s success.
Ranjeet Pawar remains focused on taking Peno to national and international platforms, strengthening its mission of cultural preservation and community empowerment.