Padma Shri Assamese master weaver meets Badruddin Ajmal; says visit purely personal
Guwahati, Aug 19
Padma Shri awardee and renowned Assamese master weaver, Hemoprova Chutia, on Wednesday met All India United Democratic Front President, businessman, philanthropist and Binnakandi MLA, Badruddin Ajmal, at his residence in Hojai, describing the meeting as a personal interaction with no political motive.
Hemoprova Chutia, who is widely recognised for her intricate handloom work, including weaving religious scriptures and other significant texts, presented Ajmal with a specially-crafted handwoven textile depicting India's National Anthem during the meeting.
The interaction assumes significance as Ajmal has faced criticism from several quarters over his flood relief activities in Upper Assam, with political opponents questioning his role and intentions.
Speaking about her visit, Chutia made it clear that she had not met the philanthropist for any political purpose.
"I did not go there for politics. I went for a purely personal reason," she said.
The Padma Shri awardee also emphasised that the meeting had no connection with any political issue or activity that could adversely affect society or any particular community.
She further spoke in support of Ajmal's flood relief efforts in the flood-affected areas of Upper Assam and asserted that Ajmal, despite his advanced age and health-related difficulties, had travelled to areas affected by the floods and personally participated in the distribution of relief materials among people facing hardships.
According to her, humanitarian assistance should not be unnecessarily viewed through a political lens, particularly when relief work is aimed at helping people affected by a natural disaster.
She said Ajmal deserved appreciation for extending assistance to flood victims and urged people not to create controversy around efforts undertaken for the welfare of those in distress.
The meeting and the master weaver's subsequent clarification come at a time when Assam's political landscape is witnessing heightened activity ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Her statement appeared aimed at separating the personal nature of her interaction with Ajmal from any political interpretation of the meeting.
Hemoprova Chutia's recognition with the Padma Shri for her contribution to handloom and traditional weaving has made her a prominent cultural figure in Assam. Her works, particularly those reproducing religious and literary texts through weaving, have received wide appreciation.
— IANS
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