Traditional artwork Kantha empowering women in West Bengal

Kolkata, Feb.20 (ANI): The Indian traditional artwork of Kantha or embroidery has empowered the poor women in West Bengal.

Artwork by embroidery artisans displayed in an exhibition in Kolkata on Friday turned out as one of the means of making women self-reliant and free from constant fiscal dependence on their husbands.

"One of the primary things was that these women had no money of their own. Now whatever amount they earn is their own. So it gives them a sense of pride and self-worth. And they feel they can achieve something. On top of that they are making such beautiful Kanthas," said Shamlu Dudeja, chairperson of an NGO running this project.

Piyali bera, a Kantha artisan, feels that stitch work has helped her in gaining self-esteem and respect and has made her economically independent as she earns Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3000 ($56 to $67) per month.

The exhibition was on the theme based on works done by the great Indian literary genius Rabindranath Tagore. (ANI)