Laila Tyabji is a celebrated Indian social worker, designer, writer, and craft activist, widely recognised for her transformative impact on the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian crafts. Born in Delhi in 1947 to a distinguished family, she has dedicated her career to empowering artisans and creating sustainable livelihoods for them, earning her the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 2012.
Tyabji’s deep engagement with the craft sector began in the 1970s. A pivotal moment came when she undertook a project for the Gujarat State Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation. This assignment took her to the Kutch region, where she spent six months living and working alongside local craftspeople. This immersive experience provided her with profound insight into the challenges they faced and ignited her passion for finding practical solutions to enhance their production and market access. Her subsequent role as a merchandiser for Taj Khazana, the lifestyle store at the Taj Hotel, further honed her understanding of how to connect traditional crafts with contemporary urban markets.
In 1981, driven by a vision to create a more direct and empowering link between artisans and consumers, Tyabji co-founded Dastkar. This Delhi-based non-governmental organisation became the cornerstone of her life’s work. Dastkar’s mission is to act as a bridge, helping craftspeople, particularly women, navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace. Tyabji has worked tirelessly with diverse artisan groups across India—from the chikan embroiderers of Lucknow and the Kasuti craftswomen of Karnataka to Madhubani painters and the mirrorwork specialists of the Banjara and Rabari communities. Her approach is holistic, addressing critical issues such as design innovation, product diversification, standardised sizing, fair pricing, and developing sound business practices.
Through Dastkar and in collaboration with organisations like the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Tyabji has been instrumental in fostering a social movement that brings education, optimism, and economic independence to craft communities. She is a vocal advocate for the intrinsic value of handmade goods, constantly working to revive the conversation around authentic and original fashion. Her commitment to the field is also captured in her book, “Threads and Voices – Behind the Indian Textile Tradition,” which delves into the rich heritage she has spent her life championing.
Laila Tyabji’s enduring legacy extends not only to the revival of priceless artistic traditions but also to the tangible improvement of countless artisans’ lives. Her work has ensured that the vibrant threads of India’s craft heritage are not only preserved but are also woven into the fabric of the country’s future.