Sally Holkar, an American-born philanthropist and textile revivalist, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2025 for her outstanding contribution to preserving India’s handloom heritage and empowering women in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh.
Sally Holkar’s Remarkable Journey: From the USA to Maheshwar
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Sally attended Stanford University, where she met Richard Holkar, a descendant of the Holkar dynasty of Indore. After marrying Richard, Sally moved to India in 1967 and soon became deeply connected to the cultural and social fabric of Maheshwar.
Witnessing the declining state of the traditional Maheshwari weaving craft, Sally took it upon herself to revive this ancient art form and improve the lives of the local weavers, many of whom were struggling with poverty and unemployment.
Founding of Rehwa Society and WomenWeave
In 1978, Sally Holkar co-founded the Rehwa Society, a non-profit organization focused on revitalizing Maheshwari weaving and creating sustainable livelihoods for women artisans. Rehwa Society provided training, employment, and fair wages to hundreds of weavers, bringing global recognition to Maheshwari textiles.
Continuing her mission, in 2003, Sally founded WomenWeave, another initiative dedicated to empowering marginalized women by providing them with weaving skills and economic independence. Through these efforts, Sally not only revived a dying tradition but also transformed the lives of countless women in Maheshwar and beyond.
The Handloom School: Shaping the Future
In 2015, Sally established The Handloom School in Maheshwar to train a new generation of weavers from across India. The school focuses on blending traditional handloom techniques with contemporary designs and global market requirements, ensuring the survival and growth of India’s handloom legacy.
Today, Sally Holkar’s initiatives have empowered over 5,000 artisans, with 90% of them being women, proving how handlooms can be a strong vehicle for social change and sustainable development.
Padma Shri 2025: A Well-Deserved Honor
Recognizing her tireless efforts and extraordinary impact, the Government of India awarded Sally Holkar the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, in 2025. Her story stands as a testament to how dedication, cultural sensitivity, and community-driven work can lead to lasting transformation.