Weaving

In Dhemaji, Assam, designer Jagrity Phukan is leading a quiet revolution through her venture, Way of Living Studio. Rooted in sustainability and community, she’s reviving Assam’s heritage silks — Muga and Eri — while empowering rural women, many of them survivors of violence, to earn dignified livelihoods.

In a bid to revive the traditional craft of weaving, Kalaiyarasi Ramachandran transformed handloom weaving into a DIY activity.

Growing up in the lanes of Salangapalayam village surrounded by weavers, Kalaiyarasi Ramachandran, returned to her hometown in Tamil Nadu years later to find the traditional craft dying. Through her startup Raatai Handloom, she has transformed handloom weaving into a DIY activity.

The Wicker Story founded by Priyanka Narula works with traditional craftsmen on making unique products made of cane.

Biren Kumar Basak from West Bengal remembers the days when he earned Rs 2.5 to now establishing a Rs 50-crore venture, employing 5,000 artisans. His sarees have won several awards including Padma Shri.

The women of the Mising community of Pathorichuk village in Assam are thrilled to be earning from their handloom weaving, and its all thanks to Rishi Raj Sarmah and Pabitra Lama Sarmah for setting up a thread initiative — Xuta.

"We don’t expose this rich fibre to any kind of chemical treatment. Some of our natural dyes like marigold and indigo are known to have skin-healing properties as well."

Referring to videos and articles, 27-year-old Bijiyashanti Tongbram learnt to extract thread from lotus stems. After mastering the technique, she started her own enterprise named ‘Sanajing Sana Thambal’ and decided to teach other women in her village.

“Today, women from all backgrounds and other villages, including those who have B.Ed degrees or more, come to us to join our work.”

Delhiites, Paiwand will teach you how to convert the textile waste into coasters, beautiful pouches, table runners etc. Apply here!