Blog Details

•  Author : Adeeb Sahil
• Date : September 17, 2025

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga safari booking

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is famous for its wildlife, particularly the one-horned rhinoceros. Each year, thousands of tourists plan Kaziranga safari bookings to see this spectacle. In this setting, a talented wood artist named Ashim Neog has created an innovative business producing wooden sculptures of animals such as rhinos, elephants, and birds. Tourists are taking home Ashim's handmade wooden art pieces, and these sculptures are popular among tourists seeking cultural pieces from Assam. His sculptures represent local craftsmanship and highlight the importance of wildlife and nature in the region. Overall, Ashim's small business demonstrates how local capabilities can develop in the tourism sector and the economy of the region.

Ashim Neog’s Journey

The story of Ashim Neog started with very small steps. He lives in a place called Kuthori, which is near National Highway 715 and close to Kaziranga National Park. At first, Ashim started selling his wooden sculptures in a small stall by the roadside near his home. He had a deep interest in wildlife and wanted to make animal figures from wood. His first creations were of the animals he saw around Kaziranga, like the rhino, elephant, and many types of birds.

The tourists who passed by noticed his work. They liked the fine details in the sculptures and the way each piece looked like the real animal from Kaziranga National Park. Slowly, more and more people started buying his products. Some tourists were from India, and some were international visitors. His simple roadside stall became a busy place where people stopped to see and buy his art.

With time, his sculptures started traveling with people back to their homes. Tourists who made Kaziranga safari bookings also wanted a small memory of the trip, and Ashim’s wooden rhinos and elephants were the best choice. Because of this, demand for his art grew, and he was able to make his stall into a proper business. Now his wooden art is not only sold near Kaziranga but also reaches collectors and art lovers in many other places. His journey shows that a strong interest in one skill, when combined with effort, can bring long-term success.

Role Of Government Support

One important reason behind the growth of Ashim Neog’s business is the support from the Assam state government. In recent years, the government has worked on programs to help local artisans, small shop owners, and traditional workers. One of the main programs is called the Atmanirbhar Scheme. The meaning of this scheme is to encourage people to become self-reliant and build their own business in a sustainable way.

Through this scheme, Ashim received financial assistance that helped him expand his work. He could buy more tools, arrange a better space for his workshop, and hire people to help him. Along with money support, he also received help in promoting his work so that more tourists and customers could know about it.

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has also encouraged small local businesses. His support has given confidence to many artisans, including Ashim. This government encouragement is not only about giving money but also about showing respect and recognition to local skills. When people like Ashim get recognition, they feel motivated to improve their work and serve more customers.

Because of these steps, Ashim Neog was able to expand his wooden art business and reach more people. His story shows that when the government supports local workers, they can grow faster and contribute more to society and the economy.

Impact On The Local Economy

The growth of Ashim Neog’s wooden art business has created many positive effects on the local economy near Kaziranga National Park. His business not only helps him and his family but also gives work to other people in the community. For making wooden sculptures, Ashim needs the help of skilled artisans, carpenters, and support workers. By hiring them, he provides steady jobs to several people who otherwise may not have a regular income.

This shows that when one small business grows, it supports many others. The income from his art goes back into the local market, helping families with food, education, and healthcare.

Another effect of his success is the motivation it gives to other people. Young people in Assam who are interested in traditional arts now see that it is possible to earn a living through such work. Earlier, many people thought traditional crafts were only a hobby, not an income source. But Ashim’s business proves that if done well, crafts can be a main source of livelihood.

The Atmanirbhar Scheme has also spread this idea of self-reliance. Many youths are now thinking about starting their own small businesses instead of depending only on outside jobs. This creates a culture of entrepreneurship in Assam. Ashim’s example is simple but powerful: with skill, hard work, and some support, anyone can make progress.

Linking Tourism, Culture, & Conservation

Kaziranga National Park is not only famous in India but also known around the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Many other animals, like elephants, swamp deer, wild buffalo, and various bird species, also live there. Tourists from different parts of the world come to see these animals, often making their Kaziranga safari booking months in advance.

In this context, Ashim Neog’s wooden sculptures play an important role. His art brings together three key areas: tourism, culture, and wildlife conservation. His wooden animal figures offer tourists a unique souvenir to remember their trip. They also represent the traditional woodcrafting skills of Assam, which have been passed down through generations. Additionally, his work serves as a reminder to visitors about the need to protect the wildlife they see in Kaziranga.

When a tourist buys a wooden rhino, it’s more than just a decorative item. It raises awareness about the real rhinos in the park and the conservation efforts needed to protect them. His sculptures help educate people about the importance of preserving wildlife and the environment.

Ashim’s business also benefits the local community. It adds more value to tourism by allowing visitors to experience the local culture and craftsmanship, not just the park. This also helps the local economy, as money spent by tourists is shared with local artisans, rather than just big hotels or tour operators.

Ashim’s work shows how traditional crafts can play a role in both economic development and environmental protection. His business has become a key part of the Kaziranga experience. When people think of Kaziranga safari booking, they also think of Ashim’s beautiful wooden art.