Aug 15 2025 to Aug 15 2025 11:30 a.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

What does it take to keep a centuries-old craft alive in the 21st century?

Join us for a compelling panel discussion on the journey of Indian handlooms, where they’ve come from, where they stand today, and what the road ahead might look like. Titled Handlooms—Past, Present and Future, this conversation brings together iconic voices who have shaped, preserved, and championed India’s rich textile heritage.

From policy and preservation to design and storytelling, the panel will explore the layered realities behind India’s handwoven traditions, especially in a time when fast fashion dominates and artisan livelihoods face uncertainty.

The discussion features Laila Tyabji, founder of Dastkar and pioneering craft revivalist; Ratna Krishna Kumar, patron of traditional arts and crafts; Nandita Das, actor, director and social advocate with a deep interest in handloom; and Chandra Jain, textile revivalist and presenter of River Weaves : Brocades of Banaras. The session will be moderated by award-winning writer and cultural commentator Shoba Narayan.

Expect reflection, insight, and real questions: What must change? What must endure? And how can each of us – designers, buyers, storytellers, citizens, help ensure that India’s handloom story continues to be written?

This panel discussion is part of the River Weaves: Brocades of Banaras exhibition, an immersive experience & exhibition that invites visitors into the world of Banarasi handloom, one of India’s most exquisite and storied textile traditions. Presented by Chandra Jain and designed by Siddhartha Das Studio, the exhibition is a tribute to the artistry, symbolism, and sustainability embedded in every thread of Banaras brocade.

Speakers

Laila Tyabji
Founder Member & Chairperson, DASTKAR
Laila Tyabji is Founder Member and Chairperson of DASTKAR. Helping craftspeople, especially women, use their own inherent skills as a means of employment, earning and independence is the crux of DASTKAR’s work.

Laila writes regularly on craft, design and social issues, and represents the craft sector on many national and international forums.

She received the Padma Shri in 2012. 

Ratna Krishnakumar
Founder & Managing Trustee, Srishti Charitable Trust

Nandita Das
Actor & Director
Nandita Das has acted in more than 40 films in 10 different languages and has directed three feature films, Firaaq (2008),  Manto (2018) and Zwigato (2023), garnering much critical acclaim. She has served twice on the jury of Cannes Film Festival, among other prestigious festivals and was conferred the ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters’ in 2011 by the French Government. In 2016, she founded Nandita Das Initiatives (NDI) which co-produced Manto, Zwigato and short films that shed light on pertinent social issues. Her first book, ‘Manto & I’ chronicles the journey of making Manto. With a master’s degree in Social Work, she continues to advocate issues of human rights and social justice.

Chandra Jain
Founder-President, Kadambari
Chandra Jain is a long-time advocate of India’s crafts and textiles. As Founder-President of Kadambari and a passionate promoter of Banaras brocade for over two decades, she has played a pivotal role in reviving and supporting traditional artisans through design, awareness, and market development.

She has curated and led numerous landmark exhibitions across India, and her work has been recognized for its impact on sustaining endangered craft traditions. Chandra’s approach combines cultural integrity with contemporary relevance, making heritage accessible and meaningful to modern audiences.

Shoba Narayan
Author
Shoba Narayan is the author of six books, a journalist, columnist and content creator.  She has written on a variety of topics and won a James Beard award and Pulitzer Fellowship. She has taught courses at IIM Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Science. She founded and co-created two websites: Project LooM, about textiles traditions of India, and Jewels of India: about Indian jewellery. She is the host and anchor of Bird Podcast: about birds and nature.  She serves on the board of Industree Foundation, Neev Academy and Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography.  Her lifelong mission is to get fit without exercising and lose weight without dieting.