Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Culture

The Legacy Weaver: Biography of Ramesh Ramanadham

Ramesh Ramanadham

Crafts Revivalist | Textile Designer | Natural Fibres Expert | Handloom Advocate

Ramesh Ramanadham is a celebrated Indian designer, crafts revivalist, and subject matter expert with over 37 years of pioneering work in handlooms, handicrafts, natural fibres, and natural dyes. Deeply rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, his mission is to revive, restore, and sustain India’s rich artisanal legacy, while creating sustainable livelihoods and socially connected ecosystems for craftsmen.

Core Contributions & Expertise

  • Spearheading the revival of naturally coloured cottons to uplift Khadi, restoring its traditional processes and equipment.
  • Revived the 400-year-old handmade paper industry in Aurangabad with INTACH.
  • Leading the holistic revival of Cheriyal Dolls, an ancient craft of Telangana, focusing on eco-friendly materials, story-based narratives, and sustainable market strategies.
  • Engaged with over 36,900 individuals through seminars and workshops, spreading awareness about India’s cultural heritage in crafts.
  • Empanelled designer with NIMSME, and a regular speaker at national and international platforms.

Pioneering Product Innovations

Ramesh holds the distinction of being the first in India (specifically combined Andhra Pradesh in the 1990s) to commercially develop several unique fabrics and applications, including:

  • Cotton-Jute, Cotton-Flax, Cotton-Linen blends in Single and Double IKKAT
  • Kalamkari prints on Madras checks, brushed fabrics, upholstery, and knitted fabric
  • Introduction of eco-textiles like vegetable-dyed handlooms, Katari Wool, Cotton-Lycra, Cotton-Wool blends, and others.
  • Extensive experimentation with natural fibres like Ramie, Banana, Pineapple, Mesta, Sisal, and wild grasses.

Social Impact

  • Conducts monthly workshops on languishing crafts and natural dye techniques.
  • Supported over 2,800 artisan families across India during the pandemic with ration and safety kits.
  • Worked with student and artisan communities across NIFT, NID, IITs, and craft clusters nationwide.

Early Journey & Legacy

Beginning his journey in 1987 with flavoured potato chips, Ramesh pivoted to handlooms after witnessing weavers’ distress. He co-founded Leela Handlooms, later transitioning to R S Krafts in 2015 — a tribute to his great-grandfather, Ramanadham Ramalingam Sr., who was honoured by King George V at the British Empire Exhibition in 1924 for his weaving prowess and community work (including building the Ramanadham Canal in Kandukur, Prakasam District).

Recognition & Awards

  • Vishisht Seva Puraskar on the Centenary of Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy
  • Honoured by the Telangana Government in 2022 as “Eminent Personality in Handlooms and Handicrafts”
  • Recipient of the IDEA Asia Award (2020)

Global & Collaborative Engagement

Worked with leading international brands such as Guess Jeans, Diesel, Camel, Grape, and Zuzka, bringing traditional Indian crafts to a global audience.

Media & Web Presence

Featured in multiple media outlets:

Bringing Colour Back to Cotton: Ramanadham Ramesh’s Revival Journey

Cotton is the most versatile and widely used fiber in textiles. Bharatavani has introduced cotton to the world. India is the largest exporters of handlooms to the world. We were exporting finest muslins of different shades to the globe till the advent of industrialisation. Most of the fabrics were naturally dyed using our traditional dyeing methods and a specific small portion of it was naturally coloured cotton, where in the cotton fibere attaines colour naturally by birth from the plant only. We had several naturally coloured cottons that ruled the market earlier. Unfortunately we lost ground over the last century. Inspite of that the naturally coloured RED cotton sustained for a very long duration, but now even that is losing ground quickly. Gollaprolu Red cotton and Konda Patti from srikakulam area are well known red cotton varieties struggling to sustain their stand in present world as the versatile definition of KHADI has changed. Center of this shift is Ramanadham Ramesh, a craft revivalist and eco-conscious farmer from Hyderabad, who is bringing indigenous coloured cotton back into the spotlight.

Ramesh cultivates 12 varieties of native Indian cotton. Unlike genetically modified hybrid cotton, desi (indigenous) cotton varieties are resilient, require less water, and do not need heavy chemical fertilizers or pesticides. They are naturally pest-resistant to a greater extent and better suited for organic farming. He has RED – 8 varieties, GREEN – in stabilising process and YELLOW – Preemptive stage. He says there are many other shades available, but he is not holding at present.

His efforts go beyond farming. Ramesh is actively promoting the traditional and sustainable desi cotton wicks for oil lamps to making hand-spun yarn for a healthy living. he demonstrates how every part of the cotton plant can be valuable.

To revive this traditional crop, Ramesh distributes native cotton seeds to interested farmers and provides them with the knowledge to grow these crops organically in a mixed cultivation method. His mission is not just agricultural—it’s cultural and ecological. He believes that reviving desi colourd cotton can give required impetus to the dwindling village-based traditional hand spun, hand woven khadi industries, create employment, and encourage eco-friendly lifestyles.

His work has gained attention for showing how traditional practices can align with modern sustainability goals in the present day requirement of minimalist eco conscious lifestyle. With increased awareness and support, desi cotton could play a major role in reducing environmental impact while uplifting rural economies.

Contact for seeds and guidance:
📞 Ramanadham Ramesh – 94400 55266.
Email: [email protected]

Mulam Santha May 17th 2025

CSR Memorial Foundation-Gramabharathi

11th “Mulam Santha”

🗓 Saturday, 17 May 2025
⏰ 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
📍 Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, Hyderabad

Why visit?

Safeguard your family’s health while supporting nature, dairy traditions, literature, craftsmen and indigenous livelihoods—all in one vibrant marketplace.

Market Highlights

  • Ippa Laddu (mahua-flower sweets) & chilled millet ice-cream
  • Farm-fresh mangoes, native seeds, terrace-garden kits & organic bio-fertilisers
  • Wood-pressed ippe (mahua) oil and mind-boosting “verri” sesame oil
  • Pure desi-cow ghee, chenengaaku & wild-sesame powders
  • Cooling bael-fruit and nannari (sarsaparilla) drinks
  • Rare premium rock candy (dhaga mishri)
  • Chemical-free soaps, herbal tooth powder & natural cosmetics
  • Laddus, murukku & biscuits made from desi rice and millets
  • Eco-friendly household cleaners
  • Naturally farmed turmeric, kumkuma, chillies and more
  • Hand-woven saris, fabrics, shirts, towels, dhotis, mosquito nets & cosy blankets
  • Khadi and traditional “Gollabhama” hand-loom saris & garments
  • Nutritious cow-based desi-seed/millet meals
  • FREE “Dava Chai” – caffeine-free herbal tea brewed from 15+ medicinal plants
  • Panchagavya & Ayurvedic remedies with expert consultations

Special Programmes

  • Chief Guests
    • Dr P. V. Rao – Former Dean, PJTSAU; Chairman, Ekalavya Grameena Vikas Foundation
    • Sri T. Nagaraju – Natural-farming master trainer, Basampalli
  • Felicitation
    Honouring Guruswamy Balakrishna for completing a foot pilgrimage from Kashmir to Kanyakumari with sacred cow Ridhi Gomata.

Moolam Santa: Food · Health · Environment · Ethics · Culture

Event proudly supported by Krishna Reddy Garu, Suryakala Garu (Grama Bharati), Malleshyam Garu & Lingam Goud Garu.

Special thanks to the dedicated volunteers from Badruka College for their invaluable support in making the 11th “Moolam Santa” a success

Come, reconnect with your roots!

Kids Summer Camp 2025 – A Joyful Success!

🌞 Kids Summer Camp 2025 – A Joyful Success! 🌞

We are thrilled to share that the Kids Summer Camp 2025, held at Marri Krishna Hall, Vijayapuri Colony, Tarnaka, was a grand success!

For 15 fun-filled days (April 28 to May 14, 2025), children between the ages of 5 to 12 joyfully participated in a variety of engaging, screen-free activities — away from phones, TVs, and laptops for at least 3 hours a day!

Camp Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sunday: Holiday

✨ Activities Included:

  • Yoga 🧘‍♂️
  • Art & Craft 🎨
  • Reading Sessions 📚
  • Personality Development 💬
  • Indoor Games 🎲
  • …and much more!

We are happy to announce that the camp concluded successfully with a certificate distribution for all participating kids, along with special Mother’s Day gifts! 💐

A Special Thank You To:

🙏 Devaki Madam, Kasthuri Madam, and Nurjhahan Madam and Shaik Mastan ali sir for their inspiring sessions and continuous support.
🙏 Krishna Reddy Sir for his unwavering support throughout the camp.

Thank you to all the parents for believing in us and giving your children a chance to explore, learn, and grow in a fun and nurturing environment.

🕉️ 100th Birth Anniversary & 14th Aradhana Mahotsavam of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba 24-04-2025

Free Ration Distribution by Tarnaka Samithi

In reverence to the 100th Jayanti Celebrations and the 14th Aradhana Mahotsavam of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a Free Ration Distribution Programme was organized at Mari Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, by the devoted members of the Tarnaka Samithi.

This noble initiative was lovingly led and coordinated by the following Tarnaka Samithi members:

➡️ Sri Krishna Reddy Garu
➡️ P.V. Subramanyam
➡️ N.Chandrashekar
➡️ N. Venkat Rao
➡️ Harish
➡️ ADS Shastri
➡️ Srinivas Garu

➡️ P. Meenakshi Devi
➡️ P. Nirmala Devi
➡️ Hemalatha
➡️ Padma Ramyakrishna
➡️ Leela Shastri

🙏 This heartfelt act of Seva (selfless service) beautifully reflected Bhagawan Baba’s divine message:
“Love All, Serve All – Help Ever, Hurt Never.”

𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚

🌿 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚
📅 𝟏𝟗-𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
🌱 Mulam Santha – A Step Towards a Healthier Way of Life
We are delighted to announce the 10th of 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚, jointly organized by 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢 and the 𝐂𝐒𝐑 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, with a shared vision to restore our traditional and wholesome way of living. 🧘‍♀️🌾
🛍️ Mulam Santha is not just a market — it’s a movement for change. It brings together: 🥦 Organic agricultural products
🍪 Traditional snacks made from millets
🧶 Authentic handicrafts
— all aimed at promoting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.
🎯 Main Objectives of Mulam Santha: ✅ Provide unadulterated, organic produce directly from farmers to consumers
✅ Ensure fair prices for farmers 👨‍🌾
✅ Offer handmade crafts at affordable rates 🎨, preserving our rich artisan heritage
In today’s world, where most food is adulterated 🍔❌ and lifestyle diseases are on the rise, this event is an effort to reconnect with our roots and prioritize health and tradition. 💪🏽🫶🏽
📍 Venue: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐚
🤝 Organized by: 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢 & 𝐂𝐒𝐑 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
🎙️ Key Organizers:
– 👤 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐮 (Founder, CSR Memorial Foundation)
– 👩‍💼 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐲𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚 (President, Grama Bharathi)
– 👥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐦 𝐆𝐨𝐮𝐝, 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐮𝐝, 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦
✨ Come, support our farmers, celebrate our culture, and take home the taste of tradition!

Ugadi Celebrations 29-03-2025

🌸 Ugadi Utsavam 2025 – A Grand Celebration! 🌸

Mulam.in & HelloHyderabad.org came together to host an unforgettable Ugadi Utsavam 2025, filled with tradition, culture, and joy! ✨

🙏 From Agnihotra, Gau Pooja, Panchanga Shravanam, and Ugadi Pachadi to Banthi Bhojanam, every moment was steeped in Telugu tradition.

🎨🎶 The event sparkled with art, literature, music & dance, a young poets’ meet, traditional games, and an exciting lucky draw!

👏 Big thanks to Organizer Krishna Reddy garu and Coordinator Bharath garu for bringing the community together in celebration.

💛 Participants embraced Telugu culture with pride and joy – a true festival to remember!

Eco-Friendly Blue Colour For Holi

Food colouring combined with talcum powder or cornflour can be used to create a blue colour. But here’s a natural way to make it if you do not want to use food colouring.

To create a vivid blue hue at home, gather the following materials:

  • Neeli gulmohar flower
  • Cornflour or talcum powder

Steps:

  • Neeli gulmohar has bright blue blooms in the summer and can be used to create blue hues for Holi.
  • Let the neeli gulmohar flowers dry first. 
  • Give it a good grinding and combine it with talc or cornflour.

Eco-Friendly Pink Colour For Holi

Option: 1

You can use the same procedures that you used to create the red colour. Simply use a smaller amount of lemon juice.

Option: 2

To make a stunning pink colour at home, keep these ingredients handy.

  • Beet roots
  • Rose water
  • Cornflour or talcum powder

Steps:

  • To begin, grate the beetroot roots and use a cloth to squeeze the juice.
  • Combine the rose water, cornflour and beetroot juice.
  • Continue blending until the colour appears uniform.
  • Transfer it to a tray and let it dehydrate.
  • Use it after passing it through a fine strainer.

Eco-Friendly Red Colour For Holi

Option: 1

Turmeric and lemon juice can be combined. Because lemon juice is acidic, it will cause the turmeric to turn red. After that, you can set the mixture aside in a well-ventilated area to dry. Just make sure there is not any sunlight present or it will bleach.

Red hibiscus flowers can also be dried until crisp, at which point they can be ground into a powder using a mixer. To boost the quantity and quality of the colour, you can then combine equal parts rice flour and red saffron.

To get a red, wet colour, you can also boil pomegranate peels in water.

Option: 2

The following ingredients are needed to make red for Holi:

  • A red hibiscus flower or dried rose petals
  • Corn flour or any type of flour

Steps:

  •  Rose or hibiscus petals that have been dried are needed to create a red colour.
  •  Grind them into a fine paste after soaking them for an hour.
  •  To make the paste into a smooth powder, thoroughly mix in the cornflour.
  •  Microwave it or dry it in the sun.
  • As an alternative, you can use raktachandan or red sandalwood powder as gulal if you do not mind spending a little money.

Option: 3

You can make eco-friendly red color for Holi using natural ingredients like beetroot or hibiscus. Here’s how you can make it:

Beetroot Red Colour:

Ingredients: 

  • 1-2 medium-sized beetroots
  • Water
  • Cornstarch or flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

  • Wash and peel the beetroots.
  • Chop the beetroots into small pieces.
  • Place the chopped beetroots in a pot and add enough water to cover them.
  • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.
  • Strain the liquid to separate the beetroot dye from the solid pieces.
  • You can either use the liquid directly as a dye or further concentrate it by simmering it on low heat until you achieve the desired intensity.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the beetroot dye with cornstarch or flour until you get a paste-like consistency.

 Note:

  • Adjust the concentration of the beetroot dye according to your preference for a lighter or darker shade of red.
  • Store the eco-friendly red color in a sealed container in the refrigerator when not in use.

This natural red color is safe to use and adds a vibrant touch to your Holi celebrations without harming the environment or your skin. Enjoy your eco-friendly Holi!