Laila Tyabji

3 weeks ago | thevoiceoffashion.com | Sohini Dey |Laila Tyabji |Shefalee Vasudev |Varun Rana

The crafts sector in Kashmir finds itself, once again, in need for a reboot as artisans struggle to make a living amid disrupted trade, connectivity and emotional upheavalTariq Ahmad Mir had been gearing up for a busy summer. Based in Budgam, located not far from Srinagar, Mir is a Sozani artist and founder of Special Hands of Kashmir, an artisan collective that has made a name for boosting livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Jan 10, 2025 | thewire.in | Laila Tyabji

The saddest news on a cold, grey January morning was the passing of Bimla Nanda Bissell, whom generations of us knew as Bim – a name synonymous with an ebullient zest for life, hospitality, care, intelligence and friendship. Everyone was welcome in her beautiful home, and all blossomed a little in the warmth of her smile.

Nov 16, 2024 | timesofindia.indiatimes.com | Laila Tyabji

In my generation, we were brought up on adages like ‘cutting off your nose to spite your face’, ‘tarring everyone with the same brush’, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. It’s a pity they have gone out of fashion, as they made so much sense. Supposedly politically correct knee-jerk reactions have taken their place. Some are incredibly stupid. A friend recently posted newspaper articles about a proposal by the UP women’s commission to ban male tailors and barbers to discourage “ill intentions”.

Jul 5, 2024 | thehindu.com | Laila Tyabji

How lovely, how obvious, how appropriate that Srinagar be named a World Craft City. Every lane, every home, every street corner is full of the sights, sounds and presence of weavers and spinners, shawl makers and embroiderers, papier-mâché painters, walnut wood carvers, brass and copper workers, jewellers, namda rug felters, wicker workers, dyers, and printers. The pattern maker’s sing-song chant of the talim echo as the carpet karigars deftly tie knots in time with its beat.

Nov 17, 2023 | thewire.in | Laila Tyabji

Legendary art historian B.N. Goswamy passed away on November 17, 2023. He was 90. Goswamy was the recipient of the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan. The following was written by Laila Tyabji as a Facebook post and has been republished with minor edits and her permission.