Empowering India’s Artisans to become Artisan Designers and Celebrating Craft at Somaiya Kala Vidya Kala Umang 2025

• Fashion designer Padmaja Krishnan, founder of PADMAJA and chief guest at the convocation, emphasised the role of SKV in sustaining and evolving India’s craft traditions.

• 34 artisan designers graduates showcased their collections, blending traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, reflecting SKV alumni presence across national craft platforms, including Lakmé Fashion Week.

• Artisan Designers from Kachchh, Bagalkote, and Madhya Pradesh presented Ajrakh, Batik, Bandhani, Soof and Rabari embroidery, Ilkal and Extra Weft weaving, and Nandana Block Print. Styled by James Ferreira and choreographed by Alison Woodham.

• Soul-stirring and powerful live performances by Sufi singer Mooralala Marwada and DJ Mudra added vibrancy.

• Three generations from the only family practising Nandana Block Printing showcased intergenerational knowledge transfer as part of the Outreach & Craft revival initiative

Kachchh, Gujarat | December 31, 2025: Somaiya Kala Vidya (SKV), a pioneering and one of its kind institution under the Gujarat Trust managed by Somaiya Vidyavihar, dedicated to preserving and advancing traditional arts and crafts, recently hosted its 8th convocation ceremony, Kala Umang. The milestone event marked the graduation of 34 artisan designers, accompanied by an exquisite fashion showcase highlighting the blend of their traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. SKV alumni have built strong national visibility over the years, curating craft and textile exhibitions across the country, including a recent showcase at the Lakmé Fashion Week by its artisan designers.

The graduation ceremony, set against the vibrant, heritage-rich backdrop of Somaiya Kala Vidya, was graced by Ms Padmaja Krishnan as the Chief Guest. A well-known Mumbai-based fashion and textile designer, Ms Krishnan runs her eponymous label PADMAJA, known for thoughtfully combining traditional craft practices with sustainability and social responsibility. Through her work, she has consistently championed artisan communities while promoting ethical and environmentally conscious design within India’s fashion and textile sector.

Speaking at the event, Ms Krishnan said, “India’s craft traditions are woven into the identity of our communities. Having studied fashion design at NIFT and learned textile design directly from artisans, I strongly believe that institutions like Somaiya Kala Vidya play a vital role in ensuring these living traditions grow, adapt, and find relevance in contemporary markets. The talent and dedication of this graduating class reaffirm the bright future of India’s artisan economy.”

Artisans from Kachchh, Bagalkote, and Madhya Pradesh presented exceptional creations inspired by India’s vibrant craft heritage, including Ajrakh and Batik block printing, Bandhani, Soof and Rabari embroidery, Ilkal and Extra Weft weaving, and Madhya Pradesh’s Nandana Block Print. With styling by James Ferreira and choreography by Alison Woodham, the event was more than a display of craft; it was a powerful testament to how industry experts are championing the unique heritage of Somaiya Kala Vidya.

Mesmerising live performances by Sufi singer Mooralala Marwada and multi-instrumentalist DJ Mudra added cultural energy to the evening. Another highlight was the Nandana Revival Artisan-to-Artisan Outreach Program, where three generations of the only family practising Nandana Block Printing walked the ramp together, showcasing continuity, creativity, and evolving professionalism. This initiative marked SKV’s first formal craft revival project in MP, rooted in community-led knowledge transfer and long-term engagement.

In 2025, SKV expanded its outreach, directly engaging with 64 artisans across Neemuch (block printing), Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya (weaving), and Dharwad (Kasuti embroidery). Several alumni served as mentors, reinforcing a peer-led, artisan-to-artisan learning model. Products developed through these initiatives achieved strong market resonance, with exhibitions in Mumbai and Bengaluru generating ₹31 lakh in sales, demonstrating the viability of craft-led enterprises in domestic markets.

“Watching our graduates step forward fills us with pride. They have gone beyond learning techniques or design processes, choosing instead to rethink their traditions and shape a distinct identity of their own. This is the core of Somaiya Kala Vidya’s vision—to support kaarigars in becoming confident artisan-designers, equipped to engage with contemporary markets while remaining rooted in their cultural knowledge. Through platforms such as Design Craft and wider collaborations, we strive to ensure that these makers are visible, valued, and prepared to lead the future of craft on national and global stages,” said Amrita Somaiya of Somaiya Kala Vidya.

While complimenting and congratulating the graduates, Shri Samir Somaiya, President, Somaiya Vidyavihar, said that “just as artisans they wove beautiful textiles, we were also weaving together a tapestry of education that encompasses the learning of the chosen vocation combined with the knowledge and appreciation of nature, languages, spiritual traditions, sport, literature and the aesthetic arts. The craft and artisan traditions remind us that it is important to be connected to our roots and tradition, as we reach for the sky. We conceive of an education that will connect student practitioners to these aspects of learning.”

“The journey at SKV helps students develop a deeper understanding of their own strengths, traditions, and ways of working. Over time, they learn to reflect on their practice and make informed choices about design, materials, and the direction they want to take their work. By the time they graduate, this clarity brings confidence and independence, which are essential for sustaining a meaningful practice as artisan-designers and engaging thoughtfully with contemporary markets,” said Nishit Sangomla, Director of Somaiya Kala Vidya.

Since its inception, SKV has worked exclusively with traditional artisans from Kachchh, Bagalkote, and Madhya Pradesh, nurturing over 200 artisan-designers. The institute’s pedagogy emphasises artisans’ inherent aesthetic strengths while equipping them with design, identity development, and entrepreneurial skills. Looking ahead, SKV continues to strengthen pathways for graduates, particularly women artisans, through advanced programmes, enterprise support, and access to emerging markets.

Somaiya Kala Vidya continues to strengthen the intersection of craft, design, and enterprise, ensuring India’s artisanal heritage not only endures but thrives for generations to come.