Sally Holkar
Sally Holkar | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | India |
| Education | Stanford University |
| Occupation(s) | Textile revivalist, social entrepreneur |
| Known for | Reviving the Maheshwari handloom tradition |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2025) |
Sally Holkar is an American-born Indian textile revivalist and social entrepreneur, recognised for her contributions to reviving the traditional Maheshwari handloom industry in Madhya Pradesh, India.[1] She was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2025 for her work in social service and the preservation of India’s handloom heritage.[2][3]
Early life and education
Sally Holkar was born in the United States and studied at Stanford University.[4] She later married Richard Holkar, a descendant of the Holkar dynasty of Indore.[5]
Work in handloom revival
In the late 1970s, Holkar moved to Maheshwar, a town historically known for its handwoven textiles. Witnessing the decline of the traditional craft, she co-founded the Rehwa Society in 1979 to revive Maheshwari weaving and empower local women through employment and training.[6]
The initiative provided livelihood to hundreds of weavers and helped popularise Maheshwari sarees and fabrics internationally.[7] She played a key role in establishing Maheshwar as a sustainable textile heritage hub, preserving not just techniques but also the cultural identity linked to the craft.[8]
Recognition
Sally Holkar’s work has been widely recognised in India. In 2025, she was conferred the Padma Shri for her contribution to the revival of handloom and social service.[2][9][10]
She has also contributed to textile-based social enterprises and sustainable fashion dialogues in India and abroad.[11]
See also
References
- ^ MASIH, ARCHANA. "The American Awarded A Padma Shri". Rediff. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Padma Awards 2025 announced". Press Information Bureau. 25 January 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Padma Awards 2025 Notification" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Meet American woman awarded with Padma Shri, studied at Stanford, revived Indian handloom". DNA India. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Legacy of a queen: How Ahilya Bai Holkar shaped Maheshwar's weaving scene". Outlook Traveller. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Being Sally Holkar". The Hindu. 9 January 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Weaving in a change". Business Standard. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "The rebuilding blocks of Maheshwar". The Voice of Fashion. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Padma Shri 2025: Who is Sally Holkar?" (in Hindi). Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Who is Sally Holkar, American awarded Padma Shri for Maheshwari Handloom?" (in Hindi). Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Textile Journey at Jaipur's 28 Kothi". The Hindu. 5 May 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2025.