Vardaan

People often complain about what they lack and constantly count their deficits. When life presents certain examples of others, they realize the immense blessings they have received from God. This Manchaha carpet and its artist are both very special. Seven years ago, an accident left Rukmani deaf, turning her entire life upside down. Instead of giving in to despair, she chose a new path. Rukmani realized she had two children and a whole family to care for. She wanted to earn a respectable living and did not want anyone's sympathy. At first, she faced many difficulties, but she persisted. Weaving Manchaha carpets proved to be a blessing for her. "When the noise around us fades, the noise within also diminishes," she quotes. She would sit with her eyes closed in front of her loom, and designs would start forming in her mind. Her daughter, Neelu, supported her throughout this journey, and together they crafted this hand-knotted carpet. Their communication through small gestures strengthened their bond. In this carpet, Rukmani depicts the beautiful parts of her life —the fields of the villages she works in, her daughter's toys, and the peacock pecking grains at their home. Every element that is a part of their daily life and the gift of her imagination is reflected in this carpet. Rukmani counts the blessings she has in her life despite such atrocities and names her Manchaha creation "Vardaan," meaning a blessing.   Rukmani's story teaches us that no matter how life challenges us, our mindset determines whether it becomes a blessing or a curse.