How Did Padma Awardee Tripti Mukherjee Learn Kantha Craft?
Synopsis
Tripti Mukherjee, a celebrated artist from West Bengal, has dedicated her Padma Shri award to her mother. Through her mastery of Kantha stitching, she has empowered thousands of rural women. Discover her inspiring journey and commitment to preserving tradition while uplifting communities.
Key Takeaways
Tripti Mukherjee has trained over 20,000 women in Kantha stitching .
She attributes her success to her mother, her first teacher.
Her work reflects the dreams of rural women in West Bengal .
Mukherjee has received multiple accolades, including the Padma Shri .
Her journey emphasizes the importance of traditional crafts in social empowerment.
Kolkata, Jan 26 (NationPress) Tripti Mukherjee, an esteemed handicraft artist hailing from Suri in Birbhum district of West Bengal, has transformed the lives of countless rural women through her mastery of Kantha stitching. After receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Central Government, she attributed her success to her mother.
Mukherjee has empowered over 20,000 women by teaching them Nakshi Kantha, a traditional art of embroidered quilts, mentioning that her mother was her first teacher. She dedicated this significant accolade to her mother.
After being recognized among this year’s Padma Shri awardees, Mukherjee expressed, “My journey began with my mother’s teachings. She deserves the credit for this recognition. I have visited nearly every village in Birbhum, imparting skills in Kantha work. The enthusiasm of the over 20,000 women I’ve trained has always been a source of inspiration for me.”
Mukherjee’s Nakshi Kantha artworks vividly capture rural life and embody the dreams and aspirations of village women, gaining acclaim over the years.
In 2012, she was honored with a national award by then-President Pranab Mukherjee. She received the Bangashree honor from the West Bengal government in 2017, followed by the Shilpaguru award from the Union Ministry of Textiles in 2018. The addition of the Padma Shri to her list of accolades is a testament to her contribution.
Expressing her happiness, Mukherjee stated, “Receiving this recognition brings me immense joy. What started as a childhood passion has now shaped my career.”
On Sunday night, Jagannath Chatterjee, a prominent leader of the state BJP, visited Mukherjee’s home in Birbhum to congratulate her and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging talent from the Suri region.
Mukherjee stands out as one of the 11 individuals from West Bengal across diverse fields who have been awarded the Padma Shri this year.
Point of View
Tripti Mukherjee's recognition underscores the vital role of traditional crafts in empowering rural communities. Her journey illustrates the intersection of art and social progress, enhancing the cultural fabric of India. Such accolades not only honor individual achievements but also inspire collective growth in rural areas.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tripti Mukherjee?
Tripti Mukherjee is a distinguished handicraft artist from Suri, West Bengal, known for her expertise in Kantha stitching and her dedication to empowering rural women.
What is Kantha craft?
Kantha craft is a traditional art form from India that involves stitching together layers of old cloth to create embroidered quilts, often depicting rural life and stories.
What awards has Tripti Mukherjee received?
Tripti Mukherjee has received several awards, including the Padma Shri, a national award from Pranab Mukherjee, Bangashree honor, and the Shilpaguru award.
How many women has Mukherjee trained?
Tripti Mukherjee has trained over 20,000 women in the art of Nakshi Kantha, helping them achieve self-reliance.
Why did she dedicate her award to her mother?
She dedicated her Padma Shri award to her mother, who was her first teacher in the Kantha craft, acknowledging her crucial role in her journey.
