In a heartwarming tale of tradition meeting triumph, Tripti Mukherjee, a renowned craftswoman from Suri in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award. Her mastery of the intricate Kantha embroidery, a skill passed down from her mother, has not only carved her a unique identity but also empowered thousands of rural women to achieve financial independence.
Speaking exclusively after her name appeared in the Padma Shri recipients list, Tripti attributed this milestone entirely to her mother’s teachings. ‘I learned the art of Kantha stitching from her, and this award is dedicated to her memory,’ she shared with emotion.
Over the years, Tripti has traversed nearly every village in Birbhum, training women in the delicate Nakshi Kantha technique. More than 20,000 women have now mastered this craft, turning their skills into sustainable livelihoods. Their enthusiasm and hard work have been her greatest inspiration, she revealed.
Tripti’s Kantha creations vividly capture the essence of rural life—depicting women’s struggles, dreams, and aspirations through intricate stitches. This blend of tradition and storytelling has earned her acclaim at both state and national levels, positioning her as a pioneer in modernizing age-old crafts.
Her accolades include the National Award from then-President Pranab Mukherjee in 2012, Bangshree honor from the West Bengal government in 2017, and the Shilp Guru award from the Ministry of Textiles in 2018. The Padma Shri now crowns this illustrious journey.
Reflecting on her path, Tripti said, ‘What began as a childhood hobby has become my profession and today, it has brought me one of India’s highest civilian honors.’ Her story stands as a beacon for countless women, proving that cultural heritage can pave the way to empowerment and recognition.
