SRINAGAR (JK)/ DEHRADUN, INDIA: HimGra, the Himalayan grass-based natural fibre innovation developed by Dev Ethical Sustainable Crafts and Textiles, Uttarakhand (DESCATUK), has been recognised by the Centre for Innovation in Public Systems (CIPS) for “HimGra – A sustainable fiber initiative for climate impact, livelihood & innovation.”
This honour is the culmination of a rigorous evaluation process that began in 2024 with presentations on HimGra’s suitability for Himalayan cultivation, followed by field visits and a spot study validation by team led by Ex-Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand Indu Prakash. The validation confirmed HimGra’s unique role in advancing both climate resilience and rural livelihoods.
The award was presented at a ceremony graced by Hon. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha, in the presence of senior public servants including N. Ramesh Kumar (Director General, ASCI Hyderabad) and Chief Secretary Atal Dullo (J&K). Out of 18 awardees — most being senior IAS officers — HimGra stood out as a grassroots-driven, community innovation from Uttarakhand.
ABOUT CIPS AND ASCI: The Centre for Innovation in Public Systems (CIPS) was established by the Government of India and the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) to identify, validate, and scale transformative innovations in governance and development. Recognition by CIPS signals that an initiative has been vetted by India’s highest administrative authorities, tested in the field, and holds potential for wider adoption.
Global Dual Recognition
HimGra pilot cultivation is supported by the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) field validated by CIPS team for this Award. These dual recognitions underscore HimGra’s position as one of the world’s most validated natural fibres, linking grassroots livelihoods with sustainable luxury fashion.
What This Means for Brands
For global and Indian fashion and lifestyle brands, the CIPS citation, along with GRP and ICIMOD endorsements, offers:
- Independent, multi-level validation — administrative, scientific, and global.
- Reduced due diligence risks for sourcing and CSR-linked partnerships.
- Credible storytelling assets for sustainability reporting and consumer engagement.
- Confidence to scale HimGra from pilots to procurement.
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“This award is not just recognition of HimGra as a fibre innovation, but also of the women SHG and communities in Uttarakhand who are building resilience against climate change,” said KD Sharma, Co-Founder, DESCATUK. “With validation from CIPS in India and GRP–ICIMOD globally, HimGra is ready to deliver sustainable luxury with social and environmental impact.”
ABOUT HIMGRA: HimGra is a natural fibre sourced from perennial wild Himalayan grass, processed with a under patented, waterless technology. It carries a zero seed, zero fertiliser carbon footprint, blends with cotton, wool, silk, and viscose, and has been validated by 40+ brands across apparel, denims, home, and knits.
