Creativity uplifts handcraft to the level of artistry, as is evident in Bengal’s intangible cultural heritage, the simple running stitch: Kanthaarkaaj.
SHE Foundation is devoted to elevating Kanthaarkaaj, to the level of stitch-artistry and empowering Kantha artisans.
In the network of 250/300 members, the five SHE Team Leaders (each assisted by 3 assistants) are senior Kantha stylists with proven training acumen. They recruit and guide new women, and exercise quality control. They commute between villages and SHE Studio, Kolkata, carrying fabrics and designs to artisans and bringing back embellished textiles to the Studio.
Kantha has had a positive ethical impact on artisans and environment for centuries. SHE’s efforts will be to follow in the same guidelines, and ensure that the positive trend continues:
“Sustainability will be ensured by my prodigy for Kantha is my daughter, Malika Varma, who has grown up with natural products, reuse and recycle, and helps me in keeping Kantha alive. She has sustained Kantha during my breast cancer surgery soon after I had started along the revival path in 1986.