Skills rooted in tradition, built for today's markets
Lahanti Institute of Multiple Skills (LIMS) creates sustainable livelihood options for the Mohli and Santal tribal communities of Dumka by retaining their traditional wisdom and skills. Our primary objective is to give underprivileged and undeveloped youth from the interior parts of Jharkhand real, marketable skills — and then walk with them into the market itself.
ESAF brings its deep technical expertise in bamboo craft to provide both training and market linkages to artisans, through regular workshops, exposure visits and dedicated support — improving not just incomes, but quality of life across the wider locality.
The LIMS story: 15 years of partnership and purpose
A film chronicling the journey of LIMS and the enduring partnership between ESAF Foundation and Normisjon — working together to strengthen skills, livelihoods and opportunity in Jharkhand.
Major Activities
Special programmes designed to promote tribal development in Dumka — from practical skills training and bamboo craft to shared production infrastructure and direct market access.
LIMS Training Centre
A recognised Centre of Excellence and NSDC-registered institute providing practical skill training to Dumka's artisan community — helping young people from underserved communities build employable skills through programmes that evolve with local needs and market opportunities.
Skill Training on Bamboo Craft
Women artisans are trained to turn locally-grown bamboo into baskets, files, folders, mats and lifestyle products — building an income stream that's genuinely their own, backed by technological and market support.
Common Facility Centres (CFCs)
Two government-set-up CFCs on the LIMS campus — one by the Jharkhand government, one by MSME — give trained artisans shared access to machinery to finish and market-ready their handicraft products.
Market Linkage & Enterprise Support
Beyond training, LIMS connects artisans directly to buyers and exhibitions, helping them become confident entrepreneurs rather than just skilled hands — turning craft into a sustainable business.
Skill Trainings & Workshops Offered
Practical skill trainings and workshops shaped by community needs, livelihood opportunities and changing market demand.
Interested in learning at LIMS?
Contact us to learn about upcoming skill trainings, workshops, eligibility and enrolment.
From forest to market, one skill at a time
Bamboo grows to maturity in just 3–4 years and needs very little water or manure — the thin, flexible bamboo of Jharkhand's forests is naturally suited to fine craftwork. LIMS has spent the last decade upskilling women artisans to turn this local resource into baskets, furniture, housing components and lifestyle products, giving them direct market access and technological support along the way.
Delivered in partnership with
From the Campus & the Field
Support the artisans of Dumka
Your contribution helps a tribal artisan complete their training, reach a new market, or start a small enterprise of their own.