Chadalavada '20 Talks Reviving Handloom Weaving in India

Over the October long weekend last year, Chadalavada traveled to India, where she worked with an up and coming fashion designer named Shravan Kumar to study the use of sustainable fibers in revitalizing the tradition of handloom weaving. Along with her studies, she had the chance to model Kumar’s designs at a fashion trade show here in the US, as well as serve as a spokesperson for the “Diwali Safe Celebration” Campaign in India.

Chadalavada shared her experiences with the assembled crowd in Shaw Tech on Thursday night, taking questions and passing around samples of the intricate handloom woven fabrics. She explained the push to bring this traditional style of weaving back into the mainstream is born out of an investment in sustainability, and to credit the often overlooked men and women who create these impressive fabrics. Chadalavada also explained the tradition of Diwali, and the profound environmental impact of the overwhelming number of fireworks shot off on that one day throughout celebrations in India. The “Diwali Safe Celebration” hopes to address that ecological impact by curtailing the number of fireworks people use on that day. As a spokeswoman for the campaign, Chadalavada appeared in newspapers and advertisements throughout India. Reflecting on her trip, she said,"[The trip] was an incredible experience, and I am so thankful that I was able to go!" In all, the talk was a chance for the school community to learn more about a vibrant and vital portion of Indian culture from Chadalavada’s first-hand experience.