New Delhi, Oct 8: A rare blend of tradition, sustainability, and innovation took centre stage at the National Conclave on Sustainable Textiles, where Manipur’s T. Bijyashanti Devi captivated delegates with a live demonstration of her exquisite lotus fabric — a luxurious, eco-friendly textile quite literally drawn from nature’s waters.

Founder of Sanajing Saa Thambal Pvt. Ltd., Bijyashanti Devi showcased how the humble lotus stem, found abundantly in ponds and wetlands, can be transformed into fine, breathable cloth. The process demands both precision and patience — fibres are carefully extracted from the stem, hand-twisted, and spun into delicate yarns, with a single garment taking days or even weeks to complete.

Her presentation — steeped in craft and symbolism — turned heads at the conclave. The lotus, India’s national flower and a symbol of purity and resilience, emerged as a new expression of sustainable luxury.

Bijyashanti, who founded her company in 2018, has not only pioneered this innovation in Manipur’s textile scene but also created livelihoods for women in her village. The idea first struck her in 2014, and she spent nearly four years researching and refining the process before bringing it to market. Today, over 30 women are employed under her initiative, which she plans to expand in the coming years.

Her startup produces scarves, mufflers, and neckties from the silk-like yarn extracted from lotus stems. These handcrafted products are now finding eager buyers in major cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata. In 2022, her innovation drew national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted her work in his Mann ki Baat radio address.

At the conclave, Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Shivraj Singh Chouhan were among those mesmerised by her live demonstration. They praised her craftsmanship and called for greater promotion of indigenous, eco-friendly textile practices at both national and global levels.

The event also showcased fabrics made from pineapple and banana fibres, known for their durability and low environmental impact. Many of the garments were dyed using natural pigments from plants, fruits, and roots — replacing harmful chemical dyes with biodegradable, skin-friendly alternatives.

Experts said such innovations reflect the future of India’s textile industry — one that blends heritage with environmental responsibility.

And at its heart stands the quiet rhythm of a weaver’s hands — turning nature’s gifts into art you can wear.

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