Shamlu Dudeja (right) with a guest in her stall at the exhibition in Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Faye

She has used the art of the “poor man’s quilt” as a tool for the “empowerment” of women in rural Bengal for as long as 24 years now.

And if things work out as planned by the West Bengal government, kantha queen Shamlu Dudeja will be taking her network to several other villages in the state.

“The woman and child development and social welfare development department of the state government has approached me to take the kantha network to the villages. They want to fund the training that my team will provide the women there,” says Shamlu.

The kantha enthusiast is more than willing to accept the offer, provided the government guarantees “proper marketing and promotion” of kantha products. “I am talking to them about the feasibility of the plan, but I will be glad to get an opportunity to generate more and more awareness about kantha,” she adds.

While back home the humble stitch is yet to get the recognition that it deserves, Shamlu is happy with the increasing international acceptance of the kantha. Her exhibition of kantha pieces at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Faye, New Mexico, in July drew footfalls and eyeballs that surpassed expectations. “We sold 80 per cent of the stock we were carrying. And we sold all the saris and shawls that belonged to our personal wardrobes,” smiles Shamlu.

While saris, shawls, scarves, jackets, throws and wall hangs received “amazing response”, other tailored garments didn’t sell that well, admits Shamlu.

The annual fair showcases ethnic arts from African and South American countries like Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile and more, as well as from Bengal and Rajasthan. “It was an enriching experience with the folk arts of so many countries displayed together,” remembers Shamlu.

So, the kantha shared stage with carpets from Uzbekistan, terracotta from Mexico and France, French pottery and many more.

“The kantha fitted in well, the mixed crowd liked the bright Indian colours. In fact, one old lady came back on the second day with a magnifying glass to see whether they were actually stitches or prints. She couldn’t believe her eyes,” smiles Shamlu.

Just before the Santa Faye fair, the lady showcased her creations at exhibitions in France and London in June. She showcased in south France at a friend’s house and also visited boutiques there with her work. “Orders are now pouring in from them,” she reveals.

In London, the house of a Scottish couple on the banks of the Thames hosted her works. “I have never got so much appreciation before,” she recounts, visibly overwhelmed. And to follow it up, Shamlu will visit many other boutiques in France next month.

While kantha remains her forte, next on Shamlu’s agenda is popularising Indian terracotta globally.

“The terracotta work of Bengal is another art that is dying for lack of marketing and recognition. I am trying to focus on the revival of terracotta jewellery.”