Heritage Meets Humanity: Ismail Khatri And The USHA Silai School Connection

In the heart of Gujarat, where the winds carry tales of tradition and the earth paints a canvas of vibrant hues, resides a man who is not just a weaver, but a guardian of heritage. Ismail Khatri, a renowned Ajrakh artisan, has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting this ancient art form. His family-run business has been supplying high-quality, hand-printed fabrics to both domestic and international markets.

Ismail Khatri said,

"This work is very old for us. Our ancestors came from Sindh, and Rao Barmal Ji II brought this craft here. He was fond of the craft. Our ancestors chose the village of Dhamadka because there was a river where the clothes could be washed. We are the 9th generation here in Kutch."

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Ismail Khatri has transformed his home into a vibrant hub of traditional craftsmanship. His workshop buzzes with activity as artisans meticulously prepare Ajrakh products. From dyeing fabrics to creating intricate patterns, every step of the process is carried out with precision and passion.

Ismail Khatri said,

"The concept of Ajrakh is Sufi-ism. It doesn't have flowers, birds, or idols. It's more geometrical. When this work of Ajrakh started, many artisans got work, and it became a kind of market."

But it's not just Ismail Khatri's commitment to this art; his contribution extends to empowering communities beyond his craft. He has generously donated over 4,500 meters of cloth to USHA Silai Schools across India, directly impacting the lives of numerous women. Women have used this fabric during teaching and also to make salwar kurtas, bags, nighties, and other products for selling.

Ismail Khatri further added,

“I watched a show by NDTV about USHA then I contacted a nearby organization. They mentioned having some fabric that would be suitable for women learning cutting, so the fabric was given to USHA women for practice.”

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USHA's training cum production centers often require raw material like fabric to teach new batches of women. The fabric contributed by Ismail Khatri was distributed to several training cum production centers as per their requirement.

Coming from a family with a nine-generation-long legacy in this art form, Ismail Khatri has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting this ancient craft. He has earned many accolades, including the UNESCO Award Seal of Excellence for handicrafts. A recognition of his wider contribution to the field of crafts is his Honorary Doctorate from De Montfort University in Leicester, in 2003.

As the sun sets over Kutch, the legacy of Mr. Ismail Khatri and the countless others who support the USHA  Silai School program continues to shine bright. It's a testament to the power of human kindness and the enduring spirit of giving.