Our Founders
Dastkar was founded by a collective of women who brought together expertise across design, development, culture, and social engagement - united by a shared commitment to India’s artisan communities and handmade traditions. Their vision extended beyond preservation. They sought to create systems that enabled craftspeople to become economically independent, creatively empowered, and directly connected to contemporary markets. Over the years, Dastkar has been shaped by the leadership and contributions of several distinguished Chairpersons:
Ms. Nikhat Laila Tyabji
Ms. Prabeen Grewal
Ms. Poonam Muttreja
Ms. Jaya Jaitly
(Late) Bunny Page
(Late) Gauri Chaudhry
Among Dastkar’s most influential founding voices, Laila Tyabji has played a defining role in shaping the organisation’s approach towards craft revival, artisan livelihoods, and cultural advocacy in India and internationally. Ms. Poonam Muttreja currently serves as the Chairperson of Dastkar.
How Is The
Team Structured?
Dastkar functions as a registered society, guided by its general body, office bearers, founding members, and advisors from the craft and development sectors. They collectively, help shape the organisation's priorities and ensure that its work remains rooted in long-term engagement with artisan communities across India.
The work is carried forward by a dedicated team across programmes, artisan outreach, communications, finance, operations, and bazaar coordination. Working closely with craftspeople, institutions, and partners, the team facilitates projects, exhibitions, collaborations, and initiatives that strengthen both livelihoods and visibility for India's diverse craft traditions.
Board Members
Bringing together leaders from the fields of craft, culture, development, education, and public policy, Dastkar's Board provides strategic and institutional guidance. The Board plays an important role in stewarding the organisation's growth, ensuring that it continues to evolve while remaining grounded in its founding values of equity, collaboration, and deep respect for the knowledge held within artisan communities.
Ms. Poonam Muttreja
Chairperson
Ms. Sohini Bhattacharya
Member - Working Committee
Mr. Puneet Kaushik
Member
Ms. Nikhat Laila Tyabji
Ex- Chairperson
Ms. Meeta Sandeep
Member
Mr. Nitin K Pamnani
Member
Mr. Anil Mehra
Treasurer
Ms. Rta Kapur Chishti
Member
Ms. Sangeeta Roy
Member
Dr. Vinod Shanbhag
Member - Working Committee
Prof. Jatin Bhatt
Member
Team Members
At the heart of Dastkar's work is a dedicated team working across programmes, artisan outreach, bazaar coordination, communications, partnerships, administration, finance, operations, and documentation. They work closely with artisan communities, institutions, and collaborators across India to facilitate training initiatives, exhibitions, market opportunities, and cultural engagements that strengthen both livelihoods and visibility for craftspeople.
With over twenty-five years of association with Dastkar, the organisation is currently led by Ms. Shelly Jain as its
Chief Operating Officer, who brings extensive experience in programme management, partnerships, and organisational development within the craft sector. Under her leadership, Dastkar continues to build meaningful collaborations and respond to the evolving needs of artisan communities while carrying forward its longstanding commitment to crafts and craftspeople.