![A Life Less Ordinary](https://cdn.magzter.com/India Today/1719060288/articles/4Bl0sKwTU1719167478020/A-LIFE-LESS-ORDINARY.jpg)
Somewhere in Professor Nico Slate's compelling book on Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay is a story of how, touring South India in her capacity as Chairperson of the All India Handicrafts Board, she learnt of a community of handloom weavers in a remote village about to abandon their craft. Despite the searing May heat, she wrapped a wet towel round her head and drove off in her jeep to meet them. The village was Pochampally; the help and financial and promotional support she gave them turned them into one of the most thriving centres of handloom ikat weaving. The story is typical of Kamaladevi's commitment, passion and practicality, and is only one of many.
It is a tragedy for India that the patriarchal male-centric attitudes of policy-makers in the '50s and '60s prevented her from playing a more pivotal role in nation-building. She is known for her pioneering work in craft and the performing arts, considered suitable for a woman, but her interests and concerns were so much wider: education, gender equity, labour rights and welfare, the environment.
This story is from the July 01, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 01, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![SUBTLE STATEMENT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/glCmIP9GM1720182682936/SUBTLE-STATEMENT.jpg)
SUBTLE STATEMENT
THESE SOPHISTICATED TIMEKEEPERS LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION
![TRENDSETTERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/z0NgJFDlT1720182463843/TRENDSETTERS.jpg)
TRENDSETTERS
THESE TIMEPIECES WILL HONE YOUR FASHION FLAIR WITH EVERY TICK
![GLITTERING TIMEKEEPERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/uS2aNELc81720182264804/GLITTERING-TIMEKEEPERS.jpg)
GLITTERING TIMEKEEPERS
WHERE ALCHEMY MEETS HOROLOGY
![ACTION READY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/9CPKggYzZ1720181986889/ACTION-READY.jpg)
ACTION READY
THESE WATCHES ARE DESIGNED FOR YOUR BOLDEST ADVENTURES
![EXTRAORDINARY TIMEKEEPERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/OCgidWTRO1720181809524/EXTRAORDINARY-TIMEKEEPERS.jpg)
EXTRAORDINARY TIMEKEEPERS
THESE EXCEPTIONAL WATCHES SET NEW STANDARDS IN INNOVATION AND DESIGN
![SPARKLING WONDERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/ymuqga3k11720181602398/SPARKLING-WONDERS.jpg)
SPARKLING WONDERS
CELEBRATING THE UNION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND LUXURY
![PERPETUATING PERFECTION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/E-pbTccVl1720181513552/PERPETUATING-PERFECTION.jpg)
PERPETUATING PERFECTION
EXQUISITE MARVELS OF HOROLOGICAL ARTISTRY
![THE DANCE OF TIME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/3Hiuz35tC1720181283907/THE-DANCE-OF-TIME.jpg)
THE DANCE OF TIME
UNVEILING THE ART OF GRAVITY-DEFYING TOURBILLONS
![SPLIT-SECOND WONDERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/9YhexgP5P1720180942247/SPLITSECOND-WONDERS.jpg)
SPLIT-SECOND WONDERS
THESE TIMEPIECES SPELL ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE WITH EVERY TICK
![WATCH OUT!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5/1755921/e0vg9MUrC1720180786378/WATCH-OUT.jpg)
WATCH OUT!
This year, mini models, new technological advancements and breathtaking high jewellery watches are the centre of attention. Here are five watch trends to follow in 2024.