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Surender Meher

Textile artisan

Artisan

2025

Surender Meher is a 40-year-old textile artisan based in Butupali, Boudh district, Odisha. He began learning the craft a couple of decades ago through family apprenticeship, self-learning and community mentorship acquiring skills through observation and sustained engagement with materials. Working primarily with textiles and tools such as sewing machines, his practice reflects acquired and practiced knowledge alongside adaptations developed over time. The craft holds cultural and social significance within its community and is closely tied to everyday use, shaped by local resources and seasonal rhythms. Economically, Surender Meher sustains his livelihood through local markets, collectives, intermediaries, institutional collaborations while negotiating challenges such as material scarcity, market pressures, or market demands. His work is sold primarily in Boudh and surrounding areas. Committed to the continuity of the tradition, he emphasizes the importance of transmitting skills and knowledge to younger generations while responding to contemporary conditions.

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