Lajwanti

The Padma Shri award was given to Phulkari artist Lajwanti, 64, of Patiala, who has been creating the artwork since she was six years old.

She won a national award in 1993, but the Punjab state administration has yet to acknowledge her contributions. When the award was announced in January, The Tribune featured an article about her. "When my family migrated from Multan, Pakistan, during Partition, they carried the art with them. My grandmother taught it to me out of curiosity," she added. Later, her three daughters and two sons joined her. She expressed her satisfaction at receiving the prize, saying it was a great honor. When the government acknowledges your contribution to traditional art, it feels nice, she remarked.