Avyana was created as part of India’s G20 presidency in 2023, with a focus on the W20 (Women 20) engagement group. The initiative aimed to spotlight women entrepreneurs from Aurangabad and surrounding regions, bringing their stories, industries, and contributions to a global stage during the summit hosted in the city.
The challenge was to design a handbook that was informative yet meaningful - something that went beyond a directory of names. It needed to represent women entrepreneurs while also carrying the cultural and historical weight of Aurangabad.
Our approach was rooted in storytelling through place. We drew inspiration from Aurangabad’s historic darwazas (gates), each one symbolising a different industry segment. By weaving local history into the structure of the book, we created a narrative that connected entrepreneurship with heritage. Every section was carefully designed to feel dignified, accessible, and respectful of both the women featured and the occasion itself.
The final book was unveiled at the G20 W20 Summit in Aurangabad and received as a thoughtful, culturally grounded piece of work. It successfully documented women entrepreneurs while also serving as a keepsake that reflected the city’s identity, history, and role in a global dialogue.
