Ex-Army Officer Manmohan Singh Rathore’s Handicraft Startup Goes Global With Over 100 Local Artisans

Manmohan Singh Rathore of Bikaner, Rajasthan, is a retired army officer who started his handicraft business to support his family. The story of Manmohan proves that hard work can help you overcome difficulties in life to become an inspiration for others. Manmohan Singh Rathore’s father worked as a driver in the Rajasthan Mineral and Mines Department. He faced financial difficulties since childhood, but never gave up and focused on his studies. Manmohan received his early education from Government Higher Secondary School, Bikaner and he completed his intermediate from City Secondary School. He completed his graduation in BA from Dhungar College, Bikaner, which is recognised by Maharaja Ganga Singh University. From army to renowned handicraft seller, let us take a look at the journey of Manmohan Singh Rathore.

In the second year of BA, Manmohan was selected as a soldier in the Indian Army. He got his posting in 2004. Army job is everyone’s dream, and Manmohan too, pursued it with full sincerity. The situation took a surprising turn in 2008. His mother’s health started deteriorating, and due to his father’s posting at another place, there was no one to take care of her at home. Taking the responsibility of the family, Manmohan had to leave the army job, which was the toughest decision of his life.

Due to only four years of service in the army, Manmohan was not considered eligible for a pension. In such a situation, the financial crisis came back like a haunting nightmare for him. After this, he started looking for a job from Rajasthan to Delhi but couldn’t land a job. He took IT training in Delhi and after some time, started working in the IT industry.

A trip to Jodhpur during a family function gave a new turn to his life. There he saw Rajasthani handicrafts and saw a huge business opportunity in this art. He felt that Rajasthani handicrafts could get recognition worldwide.

After completing a course in digital marketing, a retired army officer decided to start his online platform. In 2024, he started his startup named Craftyther.com, which sells Rajasthani handicraft products in the global market. His startup gives employment to those craftsmen who are experts in Rajasthani handicrafts.

“When I see that through my digital platform, the products of artisans of Rajasthan are being sold in countries like America, the UK, Australia and the Middle East, I feel proud.” Today, more than 100 handicraft craftsmen have joined his company, and their products are being sold on big platforms like Amazon.