Zardosi has evolved from the court tradition and taken its form in utilitarian and socio-religious paraphernalia. It is thriving in small and large clusters, scattered throughout India; doing Zardosi both as a living tradition and as a mainstream economic activity with ushering rapid growth in both domestic and export markets with or without the support of individuals, voluntary and non-voluntary organizations. Zardosi embroidery as a handicraft is an enviable possession of our national heritage that contributes substantially to Indian economy by generating employment and market opportunities through micro or small scale enterprises following contracting and sub-contracting system of manufacture and multiple value chains. An insight into the structure of this unorganized industry, its stakeholders and their eco-system helps us understand the inherent potentials, the cause and effect of change and its growth prospects that contribute to the sustainability of craftsmen and thus the craft.
Dr. REENA BHATIA
Dr. Reena Bhatia formative years of education was in Auxilum Convent and Don Bosco High School. Reena has a Doctorate in Clothing and Textiles (Surface Design) from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara. Presently, she is engaged as an Assistant Professor with the Department of Clothing and Textiles, Faculty of Family and Community Sciences and also, serving as the Associate Director, Institute of Fashion Technology since 2014. Her university teaching experience spans over two decades which encompasses teaching varied set of subjects aimed at generating interest, inquiry and developing capacities in a given subject through knowledge sharing, experiential learning and other multiple teaching-learning methods. Her involvement in research began in year 2000 and the research areas include basic design, surface design, traditional textile crafts, product development, computer application, value addition and product diversification. She has to her credit several publications and presentations at National and International forums. She is a recipient of Prof. Justina Singh Merit Scholarship and Award, MSU. Her aim in life is to sensitize students towards Indian culture, crafts and being composed and compassionate. Through her research she focuses on promoting Indian craft and craftsmen; helping them sustain their craft through product development and diversification. She patronizes handmade products since she strongly believes it is the only way to sustain a craft and its craftsmen; our living heritage.
