Kantha stitch artist Tripti Mukherjee to receive Padma Shri

Tripti Mukherjee, a renowned Kantha stitch artist, will be awarded the Padma Shri for preserving and promoting traditional West Bengal embroidery while empowering rural women artisans.

Kantha stitch artist Tripti Mukherjee, known for preserving and promoting the traditional embroidery craft of West Bengal while empowering rural women artisans, will be conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony on May 25.

Mukherjee, who has over 37 years of experience in Kantha stitch embroidery, has been recognised for her contribution to Indian handicrafts and for creating livelihood opportunities for marginalised women through training and skill development.

Born on April 28, 1966, Mukherjee drew inspiration from her mother's work and developed a deep interest in Kantha embroidery at a young age.

Over the years, she established a training centre in Suri, where she teaches women the art of Kantha stitch saree embroidery and the making of wall hangings, bed sheets, stoles, and dupattas.

The trained artisans showcase and sell their products at government-sponsored exhibitions and fairs, helping many women earn a steady income.

Mukherjee has also represented India abroad. In 2017, she visited Birmingham in the United Kingdom to showcase Kantha embroidery under a Government of India-sponsored project.

In 2025, she participated in the 14th India Trend Fair in Tokyo, organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts under the Ministry of Textiles, where she demonstrated Indian handicrafts.

Mukherjee has previously received the National Award Certificate in 2010, the Shilp Guru Award in 2016 from the Ministry of Textiles, and the Bangashree Award from the West Bengal government in 2017.