Kamala Shimjith and Shyamala Balakrishnan from Kozhikode’s Chemancheri unit of Sarvodaya Sangham are selected for the Republic Day programmes in New Delhi. Both are experts in Kuppadam handloom textiles. Kamala is the only weaver left in Kerala trained to make Kuppadam saris. Shyamala is skilled in weaving Kuppadam dhotis. Kuppadam weaving is unique as it needs two weavers to manage the weft. Unlike usual handlooms, the designs are made spontaneously by the main weaver. Kamala shared with The Hindu, “It took me years to master Kuppadam weaving and making a sari is much more difficult than the dhoti as it requires intricate patterns for the borders and butas.” She is helped by another weaver, Bindu, who has not yet mastered sari designing. About 100 Kuppadam saris are made yearly by them, costing ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 each. These saris are premium quality and often passed down generations. Many political leaders regularly buy them. Both Kamala and Shyamala began weaving in their teens and have over 30 years of experience. Kamala grew up in a family of weavers. Shyamala started weaving at age 14. Shyamala said, “Kuppadam dhotis and saris are part of our tradition and we have a legacy. Sadly, we do not have many people to take it forward.” The Chemancheri Sarvodaya unit was founded in 1962 by freedom fighter K. Kelappan to support local women. It has only female weavers and is famous for Kuppadam textiles. Kamala and Shyamala will travel to Delhi on January 22 to join the Republic Day events. Two more weavers from Payyanur in Kannur district have also been chosen for the occasion.