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Smriti Rekha Chakma

Smriti Rekha Chakma
Born (1964-09-20) 20 September 1964 (age 60)
Tripura, India
Occupation(s)Artisan and loin-loom weaver
AwardsPadma Shri (2024)

Smriti Rekha Chakma is an Indian artisan and loin-loom weaver from the Chakma community in Tripura known for her work with eco-friendly, vegetable-dyed cotton threads in traditional designs.[1] She is the founder of Ujeia Jadha, an organization that trains rural and tribal women in weaving techniques.[2][3]

In 2024, she was conferred the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for her contribution to eco-friendly loin loom artistry.[4]

Early life and career

Born in 1964, Chakma grew up in the Chakma community. From a young age, she watched her grandmother weave on a loin loom, an old traditional tool, which sparked her interest in weaving.[5] Chakma uses natural dyes in her work, made from locally gathered roots, seeds, herbs, and leaves. To make the dyes, she dries, crushes, and extracts colors from these natural items.[6]

In addition to her weaving, Chakma founded Ujeia Jadha to preserve traditional weaving and teach skills to rural and tribal women.[6]

Awards

  • 2000: received the Master Weaver Award from the president of India.[6]
  • 2018: Awarded the Sutrakar Samman at the "Sarees of India" exhibition organized by the Delhi Crafts Council.[6]
  • 2024: Awarded the Padma Shri for her work with eco-friendly loinloom artistry.[7]

References