It is my absolute honour to bring you this episode of the #100sareepact Reloaded on National Handloom day. Laila’s work has had a huge impact on  the handicraft and handmade sector, she has spent decades travelling the length and breath of the country to understand the nuance of the art & craft and found ways to connect and build awareness for the artisans, weavers and crafts people. She is one of the founders of Dastkar, a Delhi-based non governmental organization, working for the revival of traditional crafts in India. She was honored by the Government of India in 2012 with the Indian civilian award of Padma Shri. A social worker, designer, writer, and craft activist, Laila plays these various roles with utmost grace.

Laila and I met in person last year. I was interviewing her for an art foundation for a live audience. Like always I did my homework on my subject but arrived at the venue a tad bit nervous, I must confess. I have admired Laila’s work from afar, gone shopping in various Dastkar exhibitions in Bombay, Delhi and Bengaluru, seen what she and her team of dedicated craft enthusiasts have been able to bring to market for the makers that make by hand. They have created a market and patrons that have supported their efforts because of the showcase of the skill & dexterity, of nimble fingers creating works of beauty. Her vision and mission makes her a hero in my eyes. I am awed by her dedication to the crafts. Could I do justice to this interview ? We took our seats and began to talk. And we talked and we laughed and it was delightful.

And it has been one of my most enjoyable conversations in recent times. Gritty stories of survival and triumph in the crafts world, personal accounts of engagements with weavers, learning from them, bringing recognition to the craftsmanship - all told in her imitable style with dry wit and immense grace.

Here is Laila Tyabji with her Bhujodi saree story, a story of everlasting skills and of innovation in handloom.

Laila, I hope you come back soon and tell me many more stories of the sarees you drape and love. I want to sit down and listen to them all.

To handloom enthusiasts all over the world, may we cherish our rich history, may we celebrate our crafts people. It is in their hand memory, in their skill, patience and discipline that our history is so lovingly held and recreated. I hope we can return dignity to the work they do, the art they live and practice, by being aware customers, by appreciating the effort. I hope you will reach out to support a few in these challenging times.

#weareallconnected
#wewearourhistory
#handloom
#innovation
#everysareehasastory
#gratitude
#tellmeyourstory