In an inspiring segment of DD Morning Show, Doordarshan National highlighted a remarkable initiative that blends ancient heritage with modern sustainability. Titled “Mon Sugu Papermaking Project,” the episode featured a special conversation with Trupti Shukla (Founder of the Vanvasi Adivasi Foundation) and Aakash Chaturvedi (Environmental Consultant). Together, they showcased how a centuries-old indigenous craft is being revived to empower communities, protect the environment, and preserve cultural identity in Arunachal Pradesh.
The video, now available on the Doordarshan National YouTube channel, offers a heartfelt glimpse into the Mon Sugu Papermaking Project—an eco-friendly, traditional handmade paper-making technique that is more than just an art form. It is a living link to the Monpa tribe’s 1,000-year-old legacy.
What is Mon Sugu? The Ancient Craft of the Monpa People
Locally known as Mon Shugu (or Mon-Sugu), this handmade paper has been crafted by the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh for over a millennium. Artisans harvest the inner bark of the Shugu Sheng (Daphne papyracea), a Himalayan shrub abundant in the Tawang and West Kameng regions. The bark is meticulously processed, boiled, and hand-beaten into a fine pulp before being dried into durable, textured sheets.
Historically, Mon Shugu served as a sacred medium for religious scriptures, manuscripts, and cultural artifacts. Its natural strength and longevity made it ideal for preserving knowledge across generations. However, like many indigenous crafts, it faced the threat of extinction due to modernization, lack of market access, and declining traditional knowledge among younger generations.
The paper stands out for its eco-friendliness: it uses no synthetic chemicals, relies on natural dyes, and is fully biodegradable. In an era of plastic pollution and deforestation, reviving Mon Sugu represents a powerful model of sustainable living.
Spotlight on the Vanvasi Adivasi Foundation
At the heart of the revival is the Vanvasi Adivasi Foundation (also referred to as Vanwasi Aadiwasi Foundation), founded by Trupti Shukla. An independent wildlife researcher, artist, and visual storyteller from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, Shukla has dedicated years to documenting and supporting tribal communities across India. Her foundation works closely with indigenous and forest-dwelling groups—especially women and youth—to revive traditional arts, protect the environment, and foster sustainable livelihoods.
In Arunachal Pradesh’s scenic Chug Valley (Dirang, West Kameng district), the foundation has focused on the Mon Sugu project alongside other crafts like traditional mask-making. Through workshops, skill-building programs, and community engagement, they are not only preserving techniques but also creating economic opportunities. The project collaborates with local artisans from Monpa, Sherdukpen, and other tribes, ensuring that cultural heritage directly supports conservation efforts.
Aakash Chaturvedi, the environmental consultant associated with the foundation, brings expertise on sustainability and ecological impact. In the DD Morning Show discussion, the duo emphasized how such initiatives bridge tradition with contemporary needs—turning cultural pride into a viable source of income while reducing environmental harm.
Key Highlights from the DD Morning Show Conversation
The Wednesday edition of DD Morning Show framed the segment under the broader theme of #Srijan—celebrating creation, innovation, and meaningful change. Viewers were taken on a journey through:
- The revival process: Step-by-step insights into bark harvesting, natural dyeing, and handcrafting techniques that have been passed down for generations.
- Community empowerment: How the project uplifts local women and youth, providing training and market linkages so they can earn from their ancestral skills.
- Environmental benefits: The use of renewable resources and zero-waste methods as a blueprint for green entrepreneurship.
- Cultural preservation: Efforts to revive complementary traditions, such as mask-making, ensuring a holistic approach to indigenous heritage.
Trupti Shukla and Aakash Chaturvedi shared real stories of transformation, underscoring that these crafts are not relics of the past but vibrant tools for a sustainable future. The episode perfectly aligned with Doordarshan’s ethos of “Desh ka Pehla Channel, Desh ka Apna Channel,” bringing grassroots innovation into millions of Indian homes.
Why This Matters: Culture, Conservation, and Livelihoods
The Mon Sugu Papermaking Project is a shining example of how reviving indigenous knowledge can address multiple challenges at once:
- Cultural identity: It strengthens tribal pride and prevents the loss of unique practices.
- Economic impact: Artisans gain steady income, reducing migration to urban areas and preserving rural communities.
- Environmental stewardship: By promoting natural, chemical-free production, it supports biodiversity in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
- Inspiration for others: Similar efforts, supported by organizations like the Wildlife Trust of India and earlier KVIC initiatives, show that scalable models exist for nationwide craft revival.
As Trupti Shukla often highlights through her work, the art, culture, and heritage of India’s tribal communities are deeply intertwined with nature conservation. The foundation’s ongoing initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh prove that empowering locals is the most effective way to protect both people and the planet.
Watch the Full Segment & Support the Cause
You can watch the complete conversation here:
DD Morning Show | Mon Sugu Papermaking Project | Tripti Shukla | Aakash Chaturvedi | DD National
If you’re inspired by this story, consider exploring ways to support the Vanvasi Adivasi Foundation through their website (vanwasiaadiwasi.org) or by purchasing authentic Mon Sugu products when available. Every sheet of this handmade paper carries not just ink, but centuries of wisdom, resilience, and hope.
In a world racing toward modernity, initiatives like the Mon Sugu Papermaking Project remind us that the path to a better future often lies in honoring our roots. As featured on DD National, this is more than a craft revival—it’s a movement toward sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich development.
Stay tuned to DD Morning Show for more such stories of innovation and impact from across India.
