"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
29 Sep 2023
In the heartland of Assam, where dreams are often woven into the delicate threads of silk, there exists a weaver who has taken this age-old tradition to unprecedented heights. She skillfully weaves entire books into her creations! Meet Hemoprova Chutia, a remarkable artisan hailing from Moran, a town in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, who has received the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2023.
While Assam is renowned for its skilled weavers, Hemoprova Chutia's approach to her craft is extraordinary. Beyond merely creating beautiful designs on fabric, she has taken weaving to an entirely new level by incorporating entire books into her creations. For instance, she intricately wove the entire Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, into silk using traditional techniques. This awe-inspiring feat required meticulous attention and over two years of dedicated work.
Not stopping there, Hemoprova demonstrated her mastery by weaving the Bhagavad Gita in English onto a 280-foot-long and 2-foot-wide piece of cloth. She also skillfully wove the Gunamala, a significant literary work by Assamese Saint Srimanta Shankardev, incorporating both the Assamese and translated Hindi and English versions. Her expertise extends to using beads to craft unique designs in cotton and silk Gamocha, a departure from the usual motifs seen in the region.
Recognized by numerous awards and accolades, including the Assam Gaurav award and 'Handloom and Textile Award' by the state government, Hemoprova Chutia's weaving skills transcend the conventional, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and culture. Her artistry not only preserves the rich literary heritage but also showcases the magic that can be woven with dedication and imagination.