Wallhanging

A workshop was conducted explain the purpose of the Akshara project was held in Sumrasar, Kutchh. Some of the women knew how to sign their names and others were adept at wielding needle and thread but were uncomfortable holding a pencil to paper, and had no idea of how to write their names.

A discussion on the value of literacy revealed they would all like to learn to read and write. When asked why, they gave many reasons – that they would be able to read the electricity bill, and read the signboards on the roads when they went out.

The issue of identity was put into focus when they were reminded that a woman’s identity in secluded societies is as someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, or someone’s mother. In fact, the only identity they could claim was through their embroidery. A signature of a woman assumed great importance as a symbol and assertion of her identity. Everyone practised writing their names. Thereafter, they created a decorative pattern around it in the form of embroidery that was associated with their community. Each woman created her own signature embroidery or, rather, embroidery of her signature.

Arranged together, a collection of embroidered signatures - calligraphy by needles - formed a wall hanging that carries the memory of the day when they found a symbol of their own identity and the value of knowing how to write.