– Shabana Javed
Kolkata, Jan 26: Takdira Begum of Bengal is the only Muslim woman to be honored with the Padma Shri this year. Seven people, in various fields, from West Bengal figure in the list of Padma awardees for 2024. Out of the seven, three have been conferred the Padma Bhushan and the remaining four the Padma Shri.
Takdira, a resident of Madrasapalli in Jambuni, Bolpur, has been doing kantha stitch for nearly 30 years. She learned sewing while studying at school. Sewing is now her livelihood and hobby. In Takdira’s words, “I can’t sit still. Love to work. I am overwhelmed with what the Center is rewarding me.”
Her family comprises her husband and three daughters. All the family members are involved in Kantha stitch industry. The women of the area are inspired by her artistic embroidery. Takdira taught this work to other women in addition to her own art practice. In 1996, she received the National Award for Promotion and Development of Kantha stitch industry. In 2009, she received Shilpaguru Sammanna. Now she will receive this honor from President Draupadi Murmu.
Takdira said, “The Central Ministry of Cottage Industries called to inform me that my name is in the list of Padma Shri recipients. I am very happy to hear.”
Takdira also said, “I will tell all those who are backward in the society, to be self-reliant.”
