Ms. Laila Tyabji

Laila Tyabji is a craft designer, writer, and Chairperson of DASTKAR, the craft NGO she helped found. Laila has been working with grassroots artisans all over India for the past 45 years.Many of her most rewarding projects involve creating new livelihood avenues through craft for pastoral &marginalised rural communities – bonded labour in Bihar, displaced villages in Ranthambhore, tribals in Orissa and Karnataka, victims of insurgency in Kashmir. Laila studied art in Baroda & Japan, and has worked as a freelance designer in textiles, graphics, interiors and the theatre. She enjoys using craft traditions and techniques in unexpected ways and contexts.She writes and speaks regularly on craft, design, development and social Issues.