In a remarkable example of combining tradition with global enterprise, My Baahi-Flute Research Centre, based in Guwahati, Assam, is gaining international recognition for its handcrafted bamboo flutes. Founded by Rahul Nayak and Bhaswati Das, the centre exports flutes to over six countries, including the USA, Russia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kuwait, and the UAE.
Launched formally in 2019, My Baahi has emerged as a leading name in India’s indigenous musical instrument sector. The venture began with Rahul Nayak’s personal interest in the tonal quality of bamboo flutes, eventually transforming into a structured production and research unit.
Growth from Craft to Enterprise
The journey began in 2002 when a Delhi-based instrument maker identified the tonal quality of one of Nayak’s handmade flutes. Encouraged by the response, Rahul and Bhaswati worked steadily on refining their technique and developing a business model. Today, the centre employs four skilled artisans and records an export growth of nearly 50 percent annually.
Unique Manufacturing Approach
My Baahi uses dolu bamboo (Schizostachyum dulloa), a species native to Assam, for its instruments. Bamboo is harvested in the dry season and seasoned for up to a year to achieve tonal stability. The crafting process combines traditional methods with precise measurement. Finger holes are burnt using metal rods instead of drilled, preserving the material’s acoustic properties.
“No two flutes are the same,” says Rahul. “Each instrument is the result of continuous experimentation and adaptation.”
Demand Driven by Educational and Entertainment Sectors
The demand for handcrafted flutes has grown due to increased interest in traditional music, partly influenced by India’s National Education Policy, which emphasizes arts education. Simultaneously, the entertainment industry, including Bollywood, is showing renewed interest in acoustic and folk instruments.
My Baahi now supplies instruments to professional musicians, music schools, and film composers across India and abroad.
Policy Support and Institutional Backing
The success of My Baahi is supported by government initiatives like Assam’s Cane and Bamboo Policy 2019 and the State Bamboo Development Mission, which have facilitated access to raw materials, training, and infrastructure. Financial institutions such as NeDFi and SIDBI have provided crucial funding, while collaborations with the Rainforest Research Institute support sustainable bamboo harvesting.
Export Potential and Vision for the Future
India holds about 30% of the world’s bamboo reserves but contributes less than 4% to the global bamboo market. Enterprises like My Baahi are attempting to close this gap through direct-to-consumer exports and digital sales platforms.
“We want Assam to become a centre for bamboo musical instruments,” says co-founder Bhaswati Das. “We’re working to build a cluster that trains and employs rural youth while preserving traditional knowledge.”
What’s Next for My Baahi
The centre plans to expand into digital music education, launch an e-commerce platform for global customers, and start a Flute Fellowship Program to train the next generation of flute-makers. It is also exploring technological innovations such as acoustic mapping, AI-driven tonal tools, and collaborations with sound engineers.
“This is more than a business,” says Rahul Nayak. “It’s a structured mission to scale indigenous knowledge and craftsmanship.”
As My Baahi continues to export flutes to international markets, its growth story highlights how traditional Indian crafts can succeed globally with the right blend of innovation, policy support, and strategic vision.
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