When you hear the name Havildar Samir Tamboli, the image of an army veteran serving in the Armored Corps for over two decades might come to mind. Tanks, artillery, and military service were his life. However, in 2016, when Tamboli bid farewell to his army career, he embarked on a new journey he had never anticipated.
Working in the corporate world for four years after his military service, Tamboli found himself at a crossroads, pondering his next move. But a defining moment changed the course of his life. As he ventured to purchase lanterns and Kandils for his home, he was struck by an unsettling realization: nearly every lantern he encountered bore the label “Made in China.”
At that time, tensions between India and China in regions like Ladakh and Galwan were running high. This moment of introspection led Tamboli to make a remarkable decision. Instead of purchasing Chinese-made products, he decided to create his own.
Armed with nothing more than scrap paper, a penchant for crafting, and his wife’s expertise, Tamboli set out to craft a series of Akash Kandils. These decorative lanterns, traditionally made of paper and cloth, were born from his vision of providing a ‘Made in India’ alternative. His lanterns came in various shapes, sizes, and unique designs, but they all shared a common feature: every component was sourced and crafted in India by ex-servicemen and their families.
As the word spread about Tamboli’s handcrafted Akash Kandils, he began hiring other ex-servicemen and their families to meet the growing demand. He transformed his own store, “The Tamboli Supermarket” in Yerwada, into a showcase for his creations. Soon, individuals, Army units, and civilian establishments were drawn to his ‘Made in India’ festival decorations. What started as a mere hobby had blossomed into a full-fledged business, offering products that were not only proudly Indian but also superior in quality and more affordable.
In just two years, Tamboli’s lanterns and festival decorations achieved remarkable success. His unique handcrafted pieces became sought after by both military and civilian communities. His designs continued to evolve as he experimented with jute, recycled plastic, and cloth to create innovative Kandils and festival decorations. Tamboli proudly declared, “People seem to have liked my designs. I’m finding it challenging to keep up with the growing demand, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey.”
What sets Tamboli’s decorative lanterns and festival decorations apart is the unwavering commitment to using entirely Indian materials. Not a single foreign component finds its way into his creations. Environmentally friendly and made from recycled materials, his products also stand out for their durability, consistently gracing festive seasons with their beauty year after year.
