“I have a distinct memory of my grandfather taking me to his home and teaching me how to make these chairs made of rattan and bamboo.
For the basket makers’ community in UP, these skills were mandatory to learn.

Men and women were taught to perfect the art of making these baskets and other varieties right from their childhood. However, as the generations progressed, people moved out of this community profession and ventured into various other fields. But luckily, I was able to master this skill from my family.

After my high school education, I traveled across different cities to do the traditional makeshift basketry business. So far, I have been to 10 states in India and it’s been more than three years since I moved to Hyderabad for a living. I am amazed to see the supportive nature of the people here and it certainly pushes me to make more every day.

My biggest dream is to buy a small house in my hometown at Fatehpur Sikri in the next couple of years and hopefully, I will be able to fulfill my wish shortly!”