Smriti Rekha Chakma | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1964-09-20) 20 September 1964 (age 61) Tripura, India |
| Occupations | Artisan and loin-loom weaver |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2024) |
Smriti Rekha Chakma is an Indian artisan and loin-loom weaver from the Chakma community in Tripura known for her work with eco-friendly, vegetable-dyed cotton threads in traditional designs. [1] She is the founder of Ujeia Jadha, an organization that trains rural and tribal women in weaving techniques. [2] [3]
In 2024, she was conferred the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for her contribution to eco-friendly loin loom artistry. [4]
Born in 1964, Chakma grew up in the Chakma community. From a young age, she watched her grandmother weave on a loin loom, an old traditional tool, which sparked her interest in weaving. [5] Chakma uses natural dyes in her work, made from locally gathered roots, seeds, herbs, and leaves. To make the dyes, she dries, crushes, and extracts colors from these natural items. [6]
In addition to her weaving, Chakma founded Ujeia Jadha to preserve traditional weaving and teach skills to rural and tribal women. [6]