Ms. Shanti Bai and Ms. Gowri Bai & Ms. Parvati Bai artisans from Susheelanar Thanda, Sandur Taluk have developed a embroidered panel with the guidance of Ms. Laila Tybaji, Chairperson, Dastkar a Society for Craftspeople, New Delhi. They were invited by Boras Konst Museum, Sweden and to participate in the opening of the show 'Sites of Resources' and a seminar related to the show. The event was held during 6-12 September 2003.

About the embroidered panel:
The 9ft panel was done for the exhibition of India and Scandinavian Contemporary Textile Art held at Dakshina Chitra and the Borus Museum Sweden shows the transition from abstract "woman", free and untrammeled and powerful, to consumed Lambani - picturesque, colourful, but also typecast and fettered by her ornamentation. For the Lambanis, their costume is a strong statement of their community and culture, but also the cage in which their own individuality is lost. Fewer and fewer of the young women wear the heavy, elaborately worked costume, most wear sarees on a daily basis.

The panel is divided into two halves; in one half the lambani is naked, hair flowing, the power points of her body highlighted with mirrors and embroidery. The background, patch-worked in deep reds, further emphasizes her strength and vitality. In the other half against a black background, the figure stands fully costumed : in a multi coloured, tiered skirt, her hair veiled, necklace, hair ornaments, bangles and anklets further ornamenting but above weighing her down. The moon metamorphosing into sun, at the top of the panel, also signifies the same dramatic transition.

The multiple hands of the figure signify the multiple roles and tasks of women, while the hands clasped in namaste are a greeting and benediction.

Mr. A. Veeranna, Secretary and Mrs. Fahima Khan, Senior Manager (Production) have participated in the above programme during the period from 1-6 February 2003 at New York, USA on invitation by Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organization based in USA.

Mrs. Fahima Khan has participated in the 'Sources' Aid to Artisans pre-show marketing orientation during the period from 14-16 May 2003 at New York on the invitation of Aid to Artisan, USA.