Laila Tyabji (born 2 May 1947) is an Indian social worker, designer, writer, and craft activist.
The respect and affection they have for her is rare, says Archana Seth, a Delhi based entrepreneur and author of the book, Shifting Sands, Kutch: Textiles, Traditions, Transformations.
[10] Later, she went to Japan to study with Toshi Yoshida, the well-known Japanese printmaking artist, before returning to India to start a career as a freelance designer.
However, the difficulties of getting small rural artisans to benefit from and become a sustainable part of the mainstream retail chain gave Tyabji the idea of starting an organisation that would act as a bridge between craftspeople and urban buyers.
[5][9] Under the aegis of Dastkar, Tyabji has worked with Self-Employed Women's Association of India (SEWA), a similar non-governmental organization founded by renowned Gandhian, Ela Bhatt, URMUL, Sandur Kushal Kala Kendra, Rangsutra, SASHA, Berozgar Mahila Kalyan Samiti, and many others.
Other major DASTKAR projects are in Kashmir for the social reestablishment of the victims of terrorism, in Ranthambore, for the rehabilitation of the people who were evacuated for the National Park[4][9] and in Bellary for the revival of the dying art of Lambani embroidery.
[5][16] Unmarried by choice, she lives in Delhi, designing, writing, and speaking on behalf of crafts and craftspeople at her Andheria Modh office[14] as Chairperson, Dastkar.