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My father said the craft of
tying knots would bring
women income even as they
were able to shoulder their
responsibilities.
in Kutch thus giving them much incentive to create beautiful
textiles. Shri Niranjan Shah generously gave my father the
opportunity to handle the Bandhani work in Abdasa district,
Gujarat for three years.
My father participated in craft exhibitions in different cities
and his work was shown in Sweden. He was always positive,
hard-working and an inspiration to others. We know he wished
to participate in exhibitions overseas and that wish remained
unfulfilled. His other dream was to write a book on Bandhani,
unfortunately that wish could also not
be fulfilled. His name was suggested
for the Shilp Guru Award, however he
passed away in 2009. My mother who also
practises tie-dye was honoured for the best
workmanship in Bandhani as Women 95
and was awarded by Namaste Lucknow.
I received the Kamladevi Chattopadhyay
Award in 1991 and was the recipient of the
National Award in 2008.
Overcoming Difficulties
My father was a member of Paramparik
Karigar and we deeply appreciate the
support they extended to us during the
earthquake in Bhuj. At that time there was
destruction all around and phone lines
were dead. Yet, we received a message from
Paramparik Karigar asking if they could
help in any way. My father said that the
community did not want money, however
if Paramparik Karigar could organise an
exhibition of tie-dye textiles it would be
helpful. He said this because the artisans
had tie-dyed textiles ready which were not
affected by the earthquake. Within two
weeks the members of Paramparik Karigar
organised an exhibition and the artisans
travelled to Mumbai with their tie-dyed
textiles. The response was so overwhelming
Image courtesy: Sohail Khatri
