Kolkata, January 27: Tripti Mukherjee’s journey from a simple learner of Kantha embroidery to a Padma Shri awardee exemplifies the power of preserving and promoting traditional arts. Hailing from Birbhum’s Suri, this artisan has transformed the lives of over 20,000 rural women by imparting the Nakshi Kantha skills she first imbibed from her mother.
In a candid conversation, Tripti expressed her joy at the prestigious recognition, dedicating it wholeheartedly to her mother. ‘She taught me everything, and this honor belongs to her,’ she stated.
Her initiative spans the breadth of Birbhum district, where she has conducted extensive training programs in villages, equipping women with the expertise to create exquisite Kantha pieces. These works, rich with narratives of village life, struggles, and hopes, have gained widespread appreciation.
Tripti’s efforts have consistently been rewarded: the 2012 National Award presented by President Pranab Mukherjee, the 2017 Bangshree from West Bengal, and the 2018 Shilp Guru from the central government. The Padma Shri adds another glorious chapter.
The artist’s canvases of cloth tell compelling stories of rural women’s resilience. By infusing modernity into tradition, she has elevated Kantha to international prominence. Tripti’s unwavering commitment continues to inspire, showing how one woman’s passion can uplift an entire community toward self-reliance.