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Varshaben was born in Sumrasar Sheikh, to parents who migrated from Nagar Parkar, Pakistan, in 1972. She attended school to 7th grade, and considered further education, but there were no other girls who would accompany her to Bhuj for classes. From an early age Varsha had a pension for embroidery. She learned suf from her mother when she was in 5th grade, and would come home at recess to stitch with her two elder sisters, who worked with Kala Raksha. Varshaben began working with Kala Raksha as soon as she had learned suf well, and through the organization she has attended exhibitions in Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and a design workshops taught by intern Sanchit Gupta.
Varshaben likes to create patterns that she can do herself, without help. She learns directly, and she always does her own designs. She is inspired by looking at dowry collections, but knows that only unique work brings praise. Varshaben sees new designs in her mind.

As for the future of suf embroidery, ... Show more

Varshaben was born in Sumrasar Sheikh, to parents who migrated from Nagar Parkar, Pakistan, in 1972. She attended school to 7th grade, and considered further education, but there were no other girls who would accompany her to Bhuj for classes. From an early age Varsha had a pension for embroidery. She learned suf from her mother when she was in 5th grade, and would come home at recess to stitch with her two elder sisters, who worked with Kala Raksha. Varshaben began working with Kala Raksha as soon as she had learned suf well, and through the organization she has attended exhibitions in Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and a design workshops taught by intern Sanchit Gupta.
Varshaben likes to create patterns that she can do herself, without help. She learns directly, and she always does her own designs. She is inspired by looking at dowry collections, but knows that only unique work brings praise. Varshaben sees new designs in her mind.

As for the future of suf embroidery, Varshaben feels that its importance is social and cultural—and it satisfies the need to decorate. For her, it is an art. She feels that if designs keep evolving, suf work will increase. In any case, a suf artisan has only a short time to create, as the art requires keen eyesight. Varshaben will not reveal her dreams to anyone, but she does hope to learn tailoring and computer skills, as well as design.

In 2008, Varshaben attended Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya. On completion of the year long course she was awarded the jury prize for most promising artisan. Her collection based on a garden has received numerous orders. Thereafter, she served has served as a mentor in the design school, and as a design intern at Kala Raksha for six months.

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Kala Raksha Trust, a grassroots social enterprise, is dedicated to preservation of traditional arts. We envision this broadly, as holistic encouraging of the creative capacity of the artist. Comprising artisans, community members, and experts in the fields of art, design and museums, Kala Raksha was founded on artisan initiative in 1993 in the desert region Kutch, in India. Uniquely committed to documenting existing traditions, the Trust maintains a collection of heirloom textiles housed as a local Museum. Artisans participated in establishing this Museum. Thus it embodies a simple but revolutionary concept: involve people in presenting their own cultures. Artisan initiative and participation continue to be the ... Show more

Kala Raksha Trust, a grassroots social enterprise, is dedicated to preservation of traditional arts. We envision this broadly, as holistic encouraging of the creative capacity of the artist. Comprising artisans, community members, and experts in the fields of art, design and museums, Kala Raksha was founded on artisan initiative in 1993 in the desert region Kutch, in India. Uniquely committed to documenting existing traditions, the Trust maintains a collection of heirloom textiles housed as a local Museum. Artisans participated in establishing this Museum. Thus it embodies a simple but revolutionary concept: involve people in presenting their own cultures. Artisan initiative and participation continue to be the pillars of Kala Raksha's work. Artisan Design Committees create exquisite contemporary work based in their traditions. Artisan Pricing Committees establish fair wages. Finally, artisans participate in sale of their work, linking them directly to their market. What Kala Raksha preserves is the essence of art. Traditions are preserved when they flourish. Show less