The craftsman ‘Koudi’ Janakidevi N. Yereshemi receives the ‘Kushala Kala’ award in Bengaluru. | Photo credit: special arrangement
Janakidevi N. Yareshemi, an artisan who specializes in the creation of ‘Koudi’ of Ranebennur in the Hoveri district, has been honored with the State ‘Kushala Kala’ state award for 2023-24 in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of commercial art form.
Mrs. Yareshemi, 77, a native of the Sangur village in Haveri Taluk and wife of the late NG Yereshemi, has been making ‘Koudis’ during the last five decades and also has her own designs. Having learned the art of his mother Savitravva and his grandmother in childhood, he continues to sew even now. She never went to school, but she has dominated art and knows what design is better, every time she sews a new ‘koudi’.
‘Koudi’ is a blanket made with torn clothes. Each piece of fabric is sewing at hand meticulously and has been preparing a ‘koudi’ for several days.
The ‘koudis’ of Mrs. Yareshemi are special due to the intricate designs made while sewing them. Without using any scale or pencil, she makes designs in her mind from her evaluation carried out by her eyes.
It is not only his ‘Koudi’ art, but also his efforts to preserve and promote the art form, which has received the prize. Together with his regular initiatives to transmit the art form to the next generation, he held a design workshop for Lambani artisans in Sangu under the auspices of the Ministry of Textiles of the Government of the Union, made a demonstration for NIFT students and carried out in creation.
‘Koudi’ Artisan Janakidevi N. Yereshemi showed the art of sewing ‘Koudi’. | Photo credit: special arrangement
The place of the awards ceremony in Bangalore on April 16. Responding to honor, Mrs. Yareshemi dedicated the prize to all those who have continued to promote the art form, her mother and children who encouraged her to move forward with her passion.
Published – April 18, 2025 8:05 pm ist