The story of Shrujan begins with a profound moment that challenges our understanding of resilience and dignity. In the summer of 1969, Kutch was in the grip of its fourth consecutive year of drought. The land was parched, and both food and hope were in short supply. During this time, Chanda Shroff visited the village of Dhaneti with the intention of helping run a free kitchen for the women who were struggling to survive. However, what she encountered was not a willingness to accept charity, but a deep-seated desire among these women to earn their livelihood with dignity. They did not want to take something for nothing; they wanted to provide a service, to work with their hands, and to live with self-respect. This unwavering spirit and the exquisite hand embroidery on their clothes sparked an idea that would transform lives. This was the birth of Shrujan, a name that means “Creativity” in Sanskrit. From that moment, Shrujan has grown into a family of over three thousand five hundred craftswomen, spread across a hundred and twenty remote villages in Kutch. These women, driven by their “fire in the belly” to live with dignity, have embraced the opportunity to work from their homes, creating beautiful hand-embroidered textiles. Shrujan’s production team ensures that the materials—fabrics and threads—are delivered to the women, no matter how remote their location. The textiles they craft are then transformed into high-quality apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products, which are marketed through Shrujan’s shops and exhibitions. Over the years, Shrujan’s mission has expanded to include research, documentation of the diverse embroideries of Kutch, and outreach activities across the region. Through its work, Shrujan continues to be a beacon of hope, creativity, and empowerment, ensuring that the legacy of these remarkable craftswomen is celebrated and sustained for generations to come.