Gujarat: Dharmilaben Ahir Inspires Women, Creates Jobs for 90
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Synopsis
Dharmilaben Ahir, a Kutch resident, is redefining traditional embroidery by creating job opportunities for 90 women, showcasing empowerment and innovation just before International Women's Day.
Key Takeaways
- Dharmilaben Ahir empowers 90 women through her art.
- She transformed traditional embroidery into a painting medium.
- Kutch's rich artistic heritage is now recognized globally.
- Her artwork has been sold in both local and international markets.
- Dharmilaben has won awards for her contributions to art.
Kutch (Gujarat), March 7 (NationPress) Dharmilaben Ahir, a resident of Kotai village in Gujarat’s Kutch district, has revolutionized the traditional Bharat Kaam (embroidery work) art, exemplifying women empowerment just ahead of International Women's Day. By innovating the art into a painting medium, she has achieved personal independence and has created job opportunities for 90 other women.
In an interview with IANS, Dharmilaben stated, "Ahir embroidery is a part of our tradition. I began learning it at the tender age of 5. In our community, girls are taught this craft from childhood, first on their clothing and then on designs for home decor, such as torans. I acquired this skill from my grandmother and maternal grandmother..."
The region of Kutch, renowned for its artistic heritage, has also successfully promoted Kutchi art internationally. Dharmilaben's artworks have gained recognition abroad.
She shared that she embraced the challenge of artistry after a painter refused to instruct her in the Bharat Kaam. "When a painter visited our village, I requested his guidance, but he declined. This rejection deeply affected me and motivated me to create my artwork in a painting style, which I accomplished," Dharmilaben revealed to IANS.
Describing the Ahir embroidery process, she explained, "Initially, we craft various designs on the fabric. Then we embellish it with threads."
Regarding pricing, Dharmilaben noted, "The pricing varies for everyone. Initially, it ranges from Rs 10,000 to 15,000, and later it escalates to Rs 50,000 to 60,000."
She added that her creations have sold extensively in Kutch and even reached international markets, including London.
The embroidery tradition has long been a source of income for women in the Ahir community, helping them support their families.
Despite studying only until the seventh grade, Dharmilaben has redirected the Ahir Bharat Kaam through her determination and diligence. She also painted a depiction of the Great Indian Bustard, a species nearing extinction in Kutch, which took her between 4 to 6 months to complete. For this piece, she has received a prize of Rs 2.5 lakh.
Not only has Dharmilaben uplifted her own spirits, but she has also empowered women from her village and surrounding areas, employing around 90 women who earn between Rs 10,000 to 15,000 monthly.
She has also been nominated for a national award.
