SHE spreads her wings

Kantha, has recently been catapulted to the hall of fame in the international ethnic textile industry by being the only hand-stitched quilt at the International Quilt Week in Yokohama, Japan. This happens to coincide with the 25th year of Kantha revival by Shamlu Dudeja who, since 1985, has studied the world trends and has evolved Kantha into an exquisite stitch, suitable for outfits and home furnishings. 

• Today, SHE is spearheading training programmes in Kantha, natural dyes and other related activities to rural women in various districts of Bengal.

• In 2004 and 2005, SHE sponsored two artisans to visit Santa Fe for the annual market organized by the Museum of International Folk Art Market.

• Loans for purchase of computers for children, health issues or home construction are also given, when required.

• With Pratham, SHE has imparted training in literacy and primary arithmetic to women and children, whenever possible.

• SHE Awards for Excellence in Kantha, for Kantha artisans, to make Kantha a household name and for more people to buy Kantha for what it stands for.

RNT Event

In February 2011, SHE Awards for Excellence in Kantha was given to Kantha artisans at Rajbhavan Kolkata under the patronage of His Excellency Mr M K Narayanan, the Governor of West Bengal.