Patiala Phulkari artist Lajwanti weaves success, honoured with Padma Shri

Patiala, November 9

Patiala-based Phulkari artist Lajwanti (64), who has been doing the artwork since she was six, was honoured with the Padma Shri award.

Having received a national award in 1993, she still awaits recognition of her work by the state government of Punjab. The Tribune had carried a story on her when the award was announced in January. “My family brought the art to India while migrating from Multan, Pakistan, during Partition. I learnt it from my grandmother out of interest,” she said. Later, her two sons and three daughters also joined her. On the receipt of the award, she said it was a matter of great pride. “It feels good when the government recognises your contribution to traditional art,” she said. — TNS