The timeless elegance of Kosa silk sarees finds a vibrant champion in Khemchand Ramkrishna Sonkusare, the driving force behind Swarnhansa Kosa Emporium. The brand, now synonymous with grace and craftsmanship, owes its remarkable growth to the unwavering support of Khemchand’s family, loyal customers, and his tireless dedication.
Recognition in Maharashtra Business Circles
Swarnhansa Kosa Emporium, a unit of Ramkrishna Udyog Bhandar, has earned the prestigious Maharashtra Business Icon Awards 2026, organized by Resil Dot In in Nashik on 27–28 January. This state-level recognition celebrates entrepreneurs, startups, and business leaders across fashion, retail, manufacturing, and service sectors. Khemchand Sonkusare was specifically honored for his exceptional contribution to the Kosa saree industry, placing him among the top achievers in the region.
From Village Roots to a Nagpur Showroom
The journey of Swarnhansa Kosa Emporium began with a small handloom unit in 1992. In 2002, the formal unit was established in Andhalgaon, Bhandara, where Khemchand and his family promoted Kosa sarees by personally visiting villages. Through hard work and determination, the family overcame numerous challenges to build a thriving saree business, reaching key markets in villages including Andhalgaon, Mohadi, Pavni, and Umred.
Over time, the enterprise expanded to a grand showroom in Sitabardi, Nagpur, near the cultural complex at Jhansi Rani Chowk, from where the exquisite Kosa sarees are now distributed across Maharashtra and other parts of India.
National and International Demand ![]()
To expand reach, Swarnhansa Kosa Emporium showcased its products in various exhibitions. Sarees produced at the main unit are sent to different states for specialized designs: Ajrakh printed sarees to Gujarat, Dabu printed sarees to Rajasthan, and Bag-printed sarees to the Dhar region near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. These Bag-printed sarees, once finished, are sold extensively in Nagpur and beyond. The Emporium has played a pivotal role in popularizing Kosa silk sarees, bringing elegance and tradition to women nationwide.
The Allure of Kosa Sarees
Khemchand Sonkusare credits his father, Ramkrishna Sonkusare, for his guidance in building the business. Kosa sarees, particularly those with Karvati borders and Tassar silk, enjoy immense popularity among women in Vidarbha, political figures, and administrative professionals. The recent GI (Geographical Indication) tag has further enhanced demand in metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Variety and Craftsmanship
Swarnhansa Kosa Emporium offers 10–12 varieties of Kosa sarees, with printed sarees being the most popular. The collection also includes hand-painted Kalamkari sarees and Kantha handwork sarees from Shantiniketan, West Bengal. Prices range from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000, reflecting the exquisite quality and craftsmanship. The brand produces over 50 sarees annually for NADT convocation ceremonies alone, highlighting its popularity among urban women.
Empowering Farmers and Artisans
The Emporium actively supports Tassar silk farmers, purchasing silk at fair prices and ensuring timely payments. This initiative strengthens the livelihoods of tribal communities and creates a sustainable local market. Production involves meticulous labor in forested areas, with cooperation from forest and silk departments, ensuring quality while preserving the environment.
Creating Employment and Preserving Tradition
From silk thread processing to crafting Karvati sarees, Swarnhansa Kosa Emporium has generated employment opportunities for numerous families. By maintaining the legacy of Karvati Kosa sarees, the business ensures women’s first choice of saree remains accessible and admired both nationally and internationally. Today, Swarnhansa Kosa Emporium is a leading name in traditional silk sarees, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern enterprise.
Selected for Maharashtra’s Prestigious Awards
Recognizing his dedication and achievements, he has been selected for the prestigious “Maharashtra Business Icon 2025 / Maharashtra Style Icon 2025 / Maharashtra Fashion Icon 2025” awards.
This honour is being presented by Reseal.in and India Fashion Icon Magazine, celebrating Maharashtra’s emerging entrepreneurs and artists.
The selection marks a proud moment not only for him, but also for the entire region.
Presence of Renowned Film Personalities
The grand award ceremony will be graced by celebrated film personalities:
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Ms. Varsha Usgaonkar (Bollywood Actress)
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Ms. Sonalee Kulkarni (Indian Actress)
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Ms. Prarthana Behere (Indian Actress)
Event Hosted Under Expert Leadership
The event is organized under the leadership of Mr. Sudhir Kumar Pathade, Founder & CEO of Reseal.in (Sure Me Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd.), who continues to provide a national platform for Maharashtra’s rising entrepreneurs, designers, and creative talents.
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