Tripti Mukherjee: Four decades dedicated to preserving Indian heritage

In India’s long tradition of honouring quiet achievers, few recognitions feel as deserving as the Padma Shri awarded to Tripti Mukherjee- a Kantha Stitch embroidery artist from the Birbhum district of West Bengal whose four-decade journey has kept a centuries old art form alive. On May 25,2026, ahead of the Padma Award ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mukherjee expressed her delight, saying the award had brought joy not only to herself but to all those around her.

A craft Born from cloth and memory

To understand Tripti Mukherjee is to first understand Kantha- the art that became her life ‘s calling. Kantha embroidery is a traditional style of hand stitching originate in West Bengal and Bangladesh famous for its intricate needlework pattern created using simple running stitches.

The art form evolved into something that speaks powerfully to the present. Kantha embroidery is today used on sarees, dupattas, bed covers, wall hangings, reflecting rural life, nature and Indian traditions. The technique demands exceptional patience and an intimate knowledge of craft passed down through generations.

From a mother’s technique to 20,000 lives

Tripti Mukherjee is a renowned handicraft artist who has empowered thousands of rural women through the art of kantha Stitch.  Her journey began not in classroom or studio but in the warmth of family home. She learned the skill from her mother and dedicated the prestigious Padma Shri award to her mother.

“I am very happy because I have been waiting for this for many year. I would like to give the credit for this to my parents. I learned this hand embroidery from my mother, and I have been learning it from her ever since. I taught this skill to at least 20,000 women throughout my entire Birbhum district. I am still working.” Said by Mukherjee in an interview.

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 helping them achieve financial independence and self- reliance over 20,000 women have learned this art and become self-reliant.  Their enthusiasm to learn always inspired her, she has said.  The figure 20,000 is not just static but it shows the households with greater stability and confidence to earn. The trained artisans showcase and sell their products at government sponsored exhibitions and fairs, helping many women earn a stable income.

Taking Kantha to the World

In 2017, Mukherjee represented India and her art in abroad. She visited Birmingham in the United Kingdom to showcase Kantha embroidery under government of India sponsored initiative. In 2025, she participated in the 14^th India Trend Fair in Tokyo, organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts under the Ministry of Textiles, where she demonstrated Indian handicrafts. These international platforms did more than promote a product they placed Indian woman artist in conversation with the world, asserting that what is handmade and rooted is always timeless and universal.

Her Nakshi Kantha creations are known vividly for portraying rural life and reflecting the dreams and aspirations of village women. Images of harvests, festivals, rivers and stories are stitched into cloth with needle and thread.

Awards and Recognition

The Padma Shri crowns a career already recognized at the highest level. In 2012, she received a national award from then president Pranab Mukherjee. She was granted the West Bengal government’s Bangashree honor in 2017, followed by Shilpaguru Award in Handicraft from the Ministry of Textiles. Each award not merely just show personal achievement but also a growing national acknowledgement.

Tripti Mukherjee is among 11 personalities from West Bengal across various fields to be honored with Padma Shri award this year.

Why this story matters

India possesses world richest handicraft tradition. Due to Urbanization, industrialization and reduced demand. Preservation efforts by artisans like Tripti Mukherjee are crucial to safeguarding Indian Cultural identity.

Her enthusiasm and contribution have been praised by the many who believe that such recognition should come to people working at the grassroots level, not just celebrities, and that her work empowers women while keeping culture alive.

The Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, recognizes exceptional contribution in any field. For Tripti Mukherjee, it honors four decades of preserving an art form while creating opportunities for thousands of women. What began with a needle passed down from her mother has today empowered nearly twenty thousand women and kept a rich cultural legacy alive for future generations.