Mrs. Jasleen Dhamija
Truly Inspirational
Mrs. Jasleen Dhamija, the pioneer of textile craft revival, is a great scholar willing to share her vast knowledge, a perfect host, a mesmerising orator, and a down-to-earth person. She was truly inspirational.
I did not come from a trained textile background, but ma’am’s research articles and books on textile crafts, which is a long list, are unmatched and have helped me understand the textile field. I admire her scholarly works, whether in lecture or article, which were imbedded with social and cultural aspects. It was always helpful to understand the textile in totality.
When I got the opportunity to meet her personally and came to know her perfect host aspect, it was amazing. She used to keep track of all the minor details of a guest’s liking and always serve the food with affection and care. This was remarkable, I remember once I visited her, she asked my preference of food and served special vegetarian dishes, that were prepared keeping me in mind, and that day everyone was served the same food. Her motherly gesture touches the heart, and I discover her amazing cooking skills and as a food author, too.
She was a part of our Textiles and Clothing Research Centres (TCRC) initiative. She attended the seminars at the India International Centre and actively participated in the discussion. She appreciated our initiative and guided us from time to time.
My last meeting with her was in the last summer, when I got a call from her, who inquired about my well-being and said, “Whenever you have time, visit”. So, when I visited, she looked weak, but was full of energy and her liveliness was as usual. She was very happy to see me; we talked on various topics, spent good time together, ate and discussed various aspects of textiles, as well as her Kasuti project.
Jasleen ma’am had lived life with happiness; I had always found her cheerful and someone who followed her passion with full energy, sharing and caring. On March 4, she proceeded on her heavenly journey, not only I, but the entire textile community will miss you, ma’am. My heartfelt homage, TCRC pays their floral tribute to you, ma’am. 🌹
Anamika Pathak
Former Curator, National Museum, New Delhi
Chairperson Textiles and Clothing Research Centre