Mala Burman of Kamrup: When the Young Walk Away from Craft, Who Will Keep It Alive?

My name is Mala Burman. I come from the heart of Kamrup district, Assam — a land rich in tradition, color, and the quiet hum of handlooms. Trained in handicrafts and designing, I have spent the last four years pouring my heart into every thread, every fold, every creation that leaves my hands.

I make everything — from delicate greeting cards that carry emotions across distances, to the beloved gamcha, that humble yet iconic piece of Assamese identity. Each craft piece demands patience and devotion; some take nearly a month to complete, while a gamcha takes two to three days of focused, skilled work. Our raw materials come from local shops, and every item we offer is priced from ₹120 and above — a modest ask for work that carries so much soul.

Crafts in our home is not just a livelihood — it is a way of life. Every member of my family is involved, their hands shaping what we create together. Today, I am proud to have five people working alongside me, each contributing their skill and spirit to this shared craft.

But like all beautiful things, this journey has its challenges. Making the crafts is hard. Selling them is harder. Too often, we do not receive the true value of our work. The market blooms during Bihu — the festival breathes life into our sales — but once the celebration fades, so does the demand.

And perhaps the deepest worry of all? The young generation is walking away. In a world of screens and speed, the slow, meditative art of handcraft feels forgotten to many.

So this is my message to India — please, let us come together. Let us celebrate, support, and sustain these crafts before they quietly disappear. Every purchase is a preservation. Every acknowledgement is a promise that this art will live on.

— Mala Burman, Craftsperson & Keeper of Tradition, Kamrup, Assam