By Admin 
Famous weaver and handicraft artist Khemraj Sundriyal, who has taken Panipat’s handloom industry to new heights in the last 60 years, has been honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India. Since then there is a wave of happiness in Panipat.
Actually, historical experiment in Jamdani art, new chapter created on wool. Jamdani art, which was traditionally done on muslin (cotton) cloth, Khemraj made a new experiment by trying it on wool shawl. This innovation proved to be revolutionary for the handloom industry. He has also received many national level awards for his contribution.
M.F. Hussain’s paintings put on the loom
Khemraj Sundriyal did not limit himself to just traditional designs. He worked with famous artist M.F. Hussain’s paintings were prepared exactly as woven tapestries. These artworks were so lifelike that it was difficult to recognize whether they were made on paper or cloth.
Came to Panipat in 1966, the picture of handloom changed from here
Khemraj came to Panipat after being transferred from Banaras in the year 1966. At that time he was associated with a department of the Government of India. Coming to Panipat, he made new experiments in traditional Khes weaving and gave a new market to the industry by converting Khes into bedsheets, bed covers and other products.
Historical development made in tapestry and wall hanging
He developed tapestry (wall hanging) so much that paintings of great artists were prepared on the loom in the same way as if they were on canvas. This work proved to be a milestone for the handloom industry of Panipat.
The journey from raw dyeing to permanent dyeing
Khemraj promoted solid dyeing in Panipat industry. When initially people were not ready for this, then he got them trained. Today the situation is that the entire Panipat industry has adopted permanent dyeing and is considered top class in terms of quality.
Life full of struggles, from farmer family to Padmashree
Born in Sumadi village of Uttarakhand, Khemraj comes from a farmer family. He had no family experience of weaving. During his study days, he had to walk 6 kilometers every day to go to the institute. Despite the neglect and taunts of the society, she made weaving the goal of her life.
‘Thousands of lives changed by joining the Weavers Service Center’
Khemraj joined the Weavers’ Service Centre, which was founded by renowned art expert Poopul Jayakar with the support of Pandit Nehru. This center provided employment and new direction to the weavers coming from Pakistan. Khemraj said that the effort of Modi government is commendable that it is giving respect to those people who remained anonymous for years.
Padmashree’s announcement gave a proud moment to the family
Khemraj, who had applied for Padmashree last year, received information about the honor through a phone call this year. A wave of happiness ran in the family. His daughter-in-law said this is a dreamlike moment for our family. Today the world is recognizing the art that Papa had adopted long ago.
Message for youth – hard work pays off
Khemraj believes that this honor will inspire the youth to adopt traditional art and handloom and work honestly. Today, the name of Khemraj Sundriyal is not just that of an artist but has become synonymous with the handloom identity of Panipat. His contribution will remain a source of inspiration for the coming generations.
Input By : Sumit Bhardwaj