Panipat, January 25: Renowned weaver and handicraft artist Khemraj Sundariyal has been honoured with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India for his six decades of dedication to the handloom industry in Panipat. Originally from Uttarakhand, Khemraj has elevated Panipat’s handloom sector to new heights, gaining recognition not only across the country but also internationally through his art, innovation, and relentless efforts.
Khemraj introduced a revolutionary innovation by applying the traditional Jamdani art, usually done on muslin, onto woollen shawls. This experimentation proved to be a landmark development for the handloom industry. His contributions have earned him multiple national awards over the years.
He did not limit himself to conventional designs. Khemraj also recreated famous paintings by artist M.F. Husain as highly detailed tapestries, producing works so vibrant and lifelike that it became difficult to distinguish whether they were on fabric or paper.
Coming to Panipat from Banaras in 1966, where he was associated with a government department, Khemraj introduced innovations in traditional Khes weaving. He transformed Khes fabric into bed sheets, bed covers, and other products, opening new markets for the industry.
TrendingUnder his guidance, tapestry or wall hangings developed to such a refined level that prominent artists’ paintings could be woven on looms with the same precision as on canvas. This milestone significantly boosted Panipat’s handloom reputation.
Khemraj also promoted the use of permanent dyeing techniques in Panipat’s textile industry. Initially met with hesitation, he organised training sessions, and today the entire local industry has adopted permanent dyeing, widely recognised for its superior quality.
Born in Sumadi village of Uttarakhand into a farming family, Khemraj had no prior familial experience in weaving. During his school days, he used to walk six kilometres daily to attend the institute. Despite social neglect and discouragement, he chose weaving as his life’s mission.
Khemraj appreciates the Modi government’s effort to reward those who have remained unrecognised for years. He notes that now merit is considered over recommendations for awards. He believes this honour will inspire youth to embrace traditional arts and handloom with sincerity and hard work.
Having applied for the Padma Shri last year, Khemraj received the award notification through a phone call this year, bringing joy to his family. His daughter-in-law said, “This is a dream moment for our family. The art that father-in-law embraced years ago is now being recognised globally.”