Latest news with #SomaiyaVidyavihar
News18
10-08-2025
- Business
- News18
The Untold Stories Of Kachchh Artisans Leading A Sustainable Fashion Movement
Last Updated: Artisans of Kachchh are redefining 'Made in India' through sustainable design, heritage revival, and their own creative authorship. In India's vibrant craft landscape, the 'Made in India" label is often celebrated but as Amrita Somaiya, Trustee of Somaiya Vidyavihar and Governing Board Member, Somaiya Kala Vidya (SKV), points out, it rarely tells the whole story. 'The label 'Made in India' has long served as a catch-all, often overlooking the nuanced identities, skills, and stories of the artisans who actually create these pieces. To move toward more honest representation, we need a fundamental shift from seeing artisans as anonymous producers to recognizing them as designers, storytellers, and entrepreneurs in their own right," she says. At SKV, this shift is driven by design education for traditional artisans, enabling them to innovate from within their own traditions. Through initiatives like Design Craft, artisan-designer collections reach the market under their own names, allowing buyers to connect with both the maker and the meaning behind the work. 'Craft is not a monolith. It's diverse, dynamic, and deeply personal. The future lies in moving from 'Made in India' to 'Designed and Made by…', where the name and identity of the artisan are not hidden but proudly celebrated," adds Somaiya. For Somaiya, sustainability is not just a question of materials, but of livelihoods. 'It's about making sure that the incredible traditions we work with don't just survive, but thrive in the hands of the artisans who own them… For me, sustainability is about keeping the heritage alive, communities strong, and our connection to the earth, to our culture, and to each other intact." Journeys of Craft and Change Among the artisans who have taken this philosophy to heart is Aashiya Khatri, a Bandhani artisan-designer from a family steeped in the tradition. She admits she once dismissed the craft as 'too symmetric and typical" until she began exploring contemporary, abstract forms. 'That's how I decided to take up Bandhani as a career to supply to people like me who like crafts, but need something modern," she explains. Kishan Bokhani, an extra-weft weaver, first learned his craft in primary school but nearly left it behind while studying to become an electrician. The realisation that this path would make him 'a labourer, not a skilled artisan" drew him back. His design education at SKV opened new creative possibilities. 'Before joining SKV, I mostly produced designs created by others. Now I create my own designs, collections, and brand SAATKHANI and work independently." For Akhtar Khatri, Batik is a six-generation family legacy. He recalls his early years in the workshop watching cutting, printing, and dyeing processes, and later joining SKV to hone his design and marketing skills. 'After graduating, my vision changed. I developed a USP in the market and launched my own brand 'Miniya by Akhtar.' We are not just artisans anymore, we are designers too." Sustainability in Practice For Aashiya, sustainability is a deeply personal, almost familial value. She tells the story of her mother bringing home restaurant food in stainless steel containers to avoid plastic. 'Her small act serves as a powerful lesson that sustainability isn't just about trendy buzzwords; it's about making conscious choices that align with our beliefs." In her workshop, waste cloth is repurposed into diaries, bags, and more. Kishan stays true to traditional extra-weft weaving techniques even as designs evolve. Akhtar, meanwhile, is reviving natural dyes, reducing chemical use, and prioritising handwoven fabrics. 'Natural dye plays an important role in sustainability… it benefits the environment and supports employment from farming to weaving," he says. Overcoming Resistance Innovation in traditional crafts is rarely without its critics. Aashiya faced skepticism from seniors who feared modernisation would dilute Bandhani's identity. Her answer was to highlight the craft's unique intricacy, which transcends motifs. Kishan's departure from regular patterns met similar doubts, but his SKV-inspired collections proved successful. Akhtar had to educate customers about the true value of high-quality Batik, contrasting it with mass-produced market versions. Looking Forward Hope runs deep among these artisans. Aashiya believes Bandhani is 'evergreen," with roots stretching back to the Ajanta Caves, and sees modernisation as the key to survival. Kishan envisions a future where more weavers become recognised artisan-designers. Akhtar's ambition is to take Kutch's Batik printing to national and international stages while keeping it sustainable and innovative. As Somaiya reflects, the sustainable fashion movement in Kachchh is not just about preserving craft, it's about transforming the way the world sees artisans. Through education, authorship, and visibility, these creators are reclaiming the narrative of what 'Made in India" truly means. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Fashion Value Chain
26-06-2025
- General
- Fashion Value Chain
Top HSC Performers Honoured at Somaiya Vidyavihar University's Academic Excellence Ceremony
With Maharashtra's HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) results reaching an impressive state-wide pass percentage of 98.80%, this year marked a major academic milestone for thousands of students. In recognition of their dedication and excellence, Somaiya Vidyavihar University hosted a special Academic Excellence Felicitation Ceremony to honour the top-performing students. HSC Achievers Felicitation Ceremony at Somaiya Vidyavihar University Organised as part of the Somaiya Summer and Winter School Programme, the ceremony celebrated seventy-three students from across India for their exceptional academic performance. Toppers were awarded Certificates of Excellence, while trophies and certificates were also presented to their respective institutions. The honoured institutions included a diverse range of junior colleges, private schools, and public schools such as: Pace Science Junior College, Thane; Billabong High International School, Malad; KJ Somaiya Junior College of Science and Commerce; Billabong High International School, Santacruz; Army Public School, Mumbai; Delhi Public School, Nerul; Reliance Foundation School, Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai; The Jr. College; KJ Somaiya Junior College of Arts and Commerce; The Universal School, Ghatkopar; SM Shetty International School and Jr College; SK Somaiya Vinay Mandir Jr College; Somaiya Vidyamandir and Higher Secondary School, Sakarwadi; PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Colaba, Mumbai; The Somaiya School; DAV Public School, New Panvel; Bombay Scottish International School; Pace Junior Science College, Andheri; and Scottish High International School, Gurgaon. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and Lt. Gen. H. S. Khalon, Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar. 'The achievements we celebrate today are not just academic milestones; they are the foundation for a future filled with opportunities. At Somaiya Vidyavihar University, we urge every student to nurture their curiosity and resilience. These traits will guide them towards meaningful success and societal contribution,' said Prof. V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Lt. Gen. Kahlon, Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar, addressed students and parents, saying: 'It's a real privilege for us to be here today, celebrating students who've scored 95% and above. This isn't just one year's success; it's the result of years of hard work and the unwavering support of your parents. But if I may say, the journey is only just beginning. It's a highly competitive world out there, but we have no doubt that each of you will go on to shine in whichever field you choose. When I look back four decades, the choices were limited; today, the world is wide open. Make the most of it.' Through initiatives like the Somaiya Summer and Winter School Programme, the University remains committed to delivering inclusive, experiential, and future-ready education. These programmes provide students with opportunities to explore academic disciplines, develop essential life skills, and experience campus life-preparing them for success in higher education and beyond. By recognising academic excellence and encouraging holistic development, Somaiya Vidyavihar University continues to empower the next generation of changemakers. For more information, please visit
