Padma Shri Smt. Pritikana Goswami is a renowned artisan and revivalist who has played a pivotal role in restoring and elevating Nakshi Kantha embroidery in Bengal. Her journey is a testament to resilience, dedication and a deep commitment to preserving India’s rich textile heritage.

After her father’s passing in 1973, Pritikana took up embroidery and stitching to support her family. What started as a necessity soon transformed into a lifelong mission to revive the traditional Kantha craft, which was slowly fading into obscurity.

In 1990, her intricate work caught the attention of the Crafts Council of West Bengal, marking a turning point in her career. Since then, she has been instrumental in reviving lost stitches, mentoring artisans and ensuring that the traditional techniques of Kantha embroidery are passed on to future generations. Her exquisite handcrafted pieces have found a place in prestigious collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Washington DC Textile Museum and the Honolulu Museum of Art. Beyond her artistic contributions, she has empowered numerous rural women by creating employment opportunities through Kantha embroidery, turning the craft into a sustainable livelihood for many.

Recognized as a master craftswoman, Pritikana Goswami has received several accolades for her contribution to Indian textile arts, the most prestigious being the Padma Shri Award in 2023. She continues to inspire artisans, designers and cultural practitioners, ensuring that Bengal’s legacy of storytelling through stitches remains vibrant and celebrated on both national and global platforms. She received National Award in the year 2001 and Kalamoni Award as well.