Gajam Govardhana | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1949-09-01) 1 September 1949 (age 74) Putapakka, Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Occupation | Weaver |
| Awards | Padma Shri UNESCO Award National Master Weaver Award Cheongju International Craft Biennale Award Shilpa Guru Award |
| Website | Official web site |
Gajam Govardhana is an Indian master weaver, known for his work in Ikkat dyeing in the Telia Rumal tradition, and for his handloom creations.[1][2] In 2011 the government of India honoured him with the fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri.[3]
Govardhana was born 1 September 1949[4] in the small village of Putapakka in the Nalgonda district of the south Indian state of Telangana, part of the former Andhra Pradesh.[5][1] He heads the Padmashali family, which keeps the Telia Rumal tradition alive, and employs 500 weavers in the state.[3] He runs Murali Sari Emporium, a favoured shopping place for celebrities such as Sonia Gandhi, Shabana Azmi and Sheila Dikshit.[1][3]
Govardhana has written several articles and publications[1] and received many awards,[3] including a UNESCO Award of Excellence (2002),[4][1] National Master Weaver Award (2006),[4][1] Cheongju International Craft Biennale award,[4] and the Shilpa Guru Award (2007).[4][1] The Government of India recognised his services to the art of weaving when he was included in the 2011 Republic Day honours.[3]
