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traditional motifs placed in squares with yarns
dyed with natural dyes. The textiles were much
appreciated, and have been exhibited the world
over at prestigious museums and exhibitions.
One textile was handed over to the Development
Commissioner Handicrafts and was subsequently
exhibited at the Crafts Museum in New Delhi.
Another is at the Victoria & Albert Museum,
London. These textiles continue to be exhibited
at international textile and Ikat exhibitions and are
sought after by private collectors.
For the contributions I have made to the
handloom industry, for my efforts in reviving
the lost art of weaving Telia Rumals and for
the exceptional Telia Rumals woven by me, the
Government of India honoured me with the
National Award (1983), National Master Weaver
Award (2006), Shilp Guru Award (2007), Lifetime
Achievement Award (2008), along with other State
Government Awards. I received the UNESCO
Seal of Excellence for the contribution I have
made in reviving the technique and weaving
of Telia Rumals. In 2011, the Government of
India honoured me with the Padma Shri while
I have also been nominated thrice as an All
India Handloom Board member to contribute
to the Development of Handlooms. I am also a
Governing Body member of the Andhra Pradesh
Crafts Council and a member of the World Crafts
Council too.
I am happy to be associated with Paramparik
Karigar which has been giving opportunities to
eminent craftspersons to participate in their
prestigious exhibitions. I have been participating
in the exhibitions of Paramparik Karigar for the
last 10 years and it is due to their encouragement
and support that I have come across many
people who have helped me progress in weaving.
I feel proud to be associated with them as they
are doing great service to the artisans
and craftspersons.
I am now concentrating more on the social
service, craft development and welfare activities
for poor weavers. My modest background has
made me aware of reaching out to young people
in the weaver community. I know the value of
academics as well as weaving, and feel that it is
essential for weaver’s children to have proper
education and then join the family weaving
profession. To encourage them to study we offer
a stipend to children of 35 weavers’ families.
We now provide work for hundred families who
weave sarees, dupattas, yardage and bedspreads
which are marketed at our showroom Murali
Saree Emporium. I am happy that the future of
Telia Rumals looks promising.
