Ireena Sakir Banglawala-Banglawala Mahila Gruh Udyog Sahakari Mandali, Ahmedabad

Name of the Beneficiary

Ireena Sakir Banglawala

Name of the Enterprise Floated

Banglawala Mahila Gruh Udyog Sahakari Mandali, Ahmedabad

Present Turnover

₹ 5 Lakh

Employment Generated

30

Inital Investments

  • ₹ 2 Lakh

Awards Received

  • State Handloom & Handicraft Award, 2022

Block printing has been a tradition passed down through generations of the Chippa community, who originally migrated from Rajasthan. Ireena Sakir Banglawala, inspired by her father, who was involved in this craft, began learning block printing at the age of 10. After completing her graduation, she fully supports her father’s business and has become a key figure in its development.


She was mobilized by the district team and appointed as a Master Trainer by EDII to teach block printing to other craftswomen. She has trained block printing for nearly 30 women in Sodagiri, a languishing craft that faces challenges due to industrialization, which has made hand block printing to the brick of extinction. Her passion for preserving this traditional art has driven her to focus on reviving it.


As a marketing professional, she manages the digital marketing and branding for Sodagiri block prints and contributes to design and product development. This intricate craft requires extensive training and a significant amount of water for washing, emphasizing the importance of a common facility centre to ensure quality production. To meet modern demands, screen printing has been introduced as an alternative production method.


EDII has played a pivotal role in securing a GI tag for Sodagiri block printing, enhancing its visibility and connecting it to various markets to unlock new growth opportunities. Her vision includes expanding the craft to a global level, focusing on export-oriented designs and developing innovative products. Additionally, efforts will be made to ensure the craft’s sustainability while preserving its cultural heritage.