K. Dakshinamurthy
Highly Skilled, Ce & Rc Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai

• After Completion Of My Studies In 1969 I Started My Training In Mohan Textiles, Chennai Under The Supervision Of My Guru Sri Srinivasan In Block Printing, Batik Printing And Dyeing.
• Then In 1975, I Joined In Ajantha Printing Dyeing Works, Vijayawada And Learned Natural Colour Block Printing And Dyeing (KALAMKARI Block Printing)
• I Started My Career As Block Printer In The Weavers’ Service Cnetre, Government Of India, Ministry Of Textiles, Vijayawada In January 1979 And Worked There For More Than 23 Years. During These 23 Years Of Service At Vijayawada, I Had Developed A Number Of New Shades By Using Natural Dyes And Indigo Blue On Both Cotton As Well As Silk Cloth. On The Request Of Exporters From Machilipatnam, Polavaram And Pedana, Developed Various Exclusive Samples Of Bedsheets, Sarees, Dress Materials, Table Cloth, Cushion Covers By Using Traditional Designs With Natural Colours For Their Export Market.
• On The Request Of Weavers’ Serv Ice Centre, Chennai, Revived The Traditional Kodalikarpur Saree In 1980.
• Participated In Workshops And Trainaing Programme Conducted By Various Organizations And Imparted Training On Block Printing And Dyeing With Natural Dyes.
• Participated In The Sundaravana Exhibition As Part Of The Festival Of India In Thailand From 1-12 August, 1996 By Demonstrating Vegetable Colours Printing And Dyeing Technique. The Exhibition Was Appreciated By All The Viewers Including H.E. Mr. Chaiwat Sinsuwong, The Then Minister For Industry Of The Royal Government Of Thairland Who Inaugurated The Exhibition.
• In 2002, I Was Promoted As Master Printer And Posted Me At Weavers’ Service Centre, Chennai. Till My Retirement In May 2011, I Have Developed 5 Layouts Of Traditional Kodalikarpur Saree Designs With Each Layout Of 2 Sarees On The Request Of Tamil Nadu Government.
• Participated In Various Handloom Expos In Different Parts Of The Country And Demostrated Block Printing And Dyeing With Natural Colours For The Behalf Of Printers And Weavers.
• Approximately 900 Students From Nift, Stella Maris College, Jbas College For Women, National School And Design, Scs Kothari Academy For Women, Pearl Academy Of Fashions, Atdc And Tatti Etc. Have Been Trained By Me During My Service At Wsc, Chennai.
• I Got National Award For My Work On Tisssue Saree Wo Ven With 2/200s Count Warp And Weft With Pure Zari For The Year 2009-10. The Aree Was Block Kprinted With Traditional Designs By Using Natural Dyes.
• After My Retirement, I Have Joined In Craft Education And Research Centre (CERC) Of Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai As Highly Skilled In July, 2011. During These 3 Years, I Have Developed A Nuber Of New Shades And Layouts With Natural Dyes. Particuclarly, Technical Guidance Was Give By Me In The Development Of Kodalikarpur Saree Which Has Received Huge Appreciation From The Public.