Mandi’s ‘Handicraft Queen’ Anshul Malhotra gets invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan for special Independence Day celebrations
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MANDI: Anshul Malhotra, renowned for bringing national and international recognition to Himachal Pradesh’s culture through the handloom sector, has been invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan for a special event on August 15, 2024.
Malhotra, who was honoured with the Nari Shakti Award in 2022 for her contributions to handicrafts, will attend a cultural programme and dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Anshul Malhotra, the daughter of Mandi’s master craftsman OP Malhotra, has played a significant role in promoting old Himachali designs on both national and international stages. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Nari Shakti Award from then President Ram Nath Kovind in 2005.
On Monday, a special team from the postal department, including postwoman Kusum Lata, IPO Mandi Ramesh Chand and other staff members, delivered the invitation letter from the President to Krishna Wool Sauli Khad.
‘Not alone, Himachal will be with me’
Expressing her delight, Anshul Malhotra said, “This is not just a matter of pride for me, but for entire Mandi district and Himachal Pradesh.” She emphasised that she will not be alone at Rashtrapati Bhavan, but the entire Himachal will be with her. Malhotra has been instrumental in preserving traditional designs and promoting them among village weavers. Her efforts have ensured the preservation and international promotion of Himachali culture, with her designs reaching around 12 countries.
In the past, she had received invitations from the governments of China and Germany to exhibit her work where her efforts had been highly appreciated. Accepting the invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan with joy, she said she looks forward to attending the Independence Day celebrations, representing the sentiments of the people of Mandi and Himachal.
Influenced by her father’s dedication
Anshul was profoundly influenced by her father’s dedication to preserving the traditional handloom and handicrafts business in their state. As a child, she watched him collaborate with village weavers, having left his engineering job to pursue his passion for this art. Inspired by his commitment, Anshul’s admiration for her father’s work only grew when he received the Shilp Guru Award in 2012 from then President Pranab Mukherjee.
Determined to continue and perfect her father’s legacy, Anshul pursued a degree in textile engineering from TIT-Bhiwani, despite widespread scepticism. Motivated by her father’s encouragement, she overcame numerous challenges and eventually joined Krishna Wool, her father’s industry. Here, she led the family business in preserving Himachali handlooms, with support from her husband, a production engineer.
Anshul’s father had always aspired to uplift the people of Himachal Pradesh. Since founding Krishna Wool in 1995, he introduced new designs annually, even in a region unfamiliar with trends or fashion. He began by training rural women, a practice Anshul continued. Today, she has trained at least 200 women in the art, free of charge.
By providing training and handlooms, Anshul and her family empower these rural women to earn a livelihood, support their families and secure their children’s futures. This approach distinguishes their business, demonstrating that success and longevity are measured not just by funds, but by imparting skills and empowering others.
