PatanSince 2001-02
Patan Center
Upholding the culture of handcrafted wonder
Gramshree first brought 20 women together to learn Mashru weaving, a quaint blend of cotton and silk, keeping this textile alive.
Our Journey
Empowering women to be a catalyst for change to the benefit of herself, her family and her community.
Since 1995
Milestones along the way
From our first steps near Ramapir no Tekro in Ahmedabad to centres in Ludiya, Patan and beyond, here is how Gramshree has grown with its women.
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1995
Gramshree is founded
Smt. Anandiben Patel, who later became the first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat, founded Gramshree with prominent social entrepreneur Smt. Anarben Patel, to empower and support marginalised women in the rural areas and urban slums of Gujarat.
Meet our founders -
1996
First steps in Ahmedabad
Started working in Gandhi Ashram and the slum area near Ramapir no Tekro in Ahmedabad.
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1997-98
Quilts, bedspreads and cushion covers
Started producing quilts, bedspreads and cushion covers with women.
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1999-2000
Our first exhibition
First exhibition at Sanskar Dham, and started participating in other exhibitions.
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2001-02
Ludiya and Patan
Started working in Ludiya village and started a centre in Patan.
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2003-05
Weaving at Patan, a new centre at Ranip
Started weaving at Patan and a new production centre at Ranip, Ahmedabad.
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2006-07
New centres open
Started other centres in Odhav, Chandlodiya, Rabari Colony, etc.
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2008-10
Exhibitions and home shows
Introduced more exhibitions and home shows across the country.
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2011-12
A design studio and Rudra Center
Created a production centre and design studio at Sabarmati, and Rudra Center in Ahmedabad.
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2013-14
More exhibitions and home shows
Introduced more exhibitions and home shows across the country.
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2015-16
More centres
Started other centres in Odhav, Chandlodiya, Rabari Colony, etc.
Today, the journey continues through our centres and initiatives, with the help of our most precious resource: the people.
Explore our initiatives
Our Centres
Where the journey has taken us
Our centres bring women together to learn, earn and create, keeping traditional textile arts alive for the next generation.
Ludiya, KutchSince 2001-02
Ludiya Center
Embroidering a beautiful life
One of the oldest centres established by Gramshree, Ludiya specialises in pure Kutchhi handcrafted products of embroidery and weaving.
AhmedabadSince 2011-12
Rudra Center
Building an inspiring community, one stitch at a time
A space that enables women of Ahmedabad’s slum communities to be catalysts of economic and social change, bringing prosperity through patchwork.
Stories of Change
View all stories
Women who have grown with Gramshree
Kaminiben Panchal
Kaminiben joined Gramshree in 2005 as a trainee embroidery artisan. She became the community leader giving employment to 150+ families at our Ranip Center.
Read her story: Kaminiben Panchal
Ramiben Makwana
Among the founding artisans of Gramshree Patan Center, Ramiben’s passion for the craft has made her the leader of its Patchwork department.
Read her story: Ramiben Makwana
Tanujaben
In 2015, Tanujaben joined Gramshree’s Sumati admin office as a housekeeper. Today she cooks for the entire Gramshree family every evening.
Read her story: Tanujaben
Tejal Rawal
Trained in khakhra making, Tejalben earned her first remuneration of ₹5,500 in a month by working three hours a day. An entrepreneur was born.
Read her story: Tejal Rawal
Discover More
Get to know Gramshree
Our story, the values we live by and the women who founded us.
About Us
A holistic approach for the welfare of the women, by the women, since 1995.
About GramshreeOur Pillars
The goal is to make all women feel strong, healthy, safe, respected, resilient, courageous and independent.
Explore our pillarsOur Founders
Passionate and committed changemakers: Smt. Anandiben Patel and Smt. Anarben Patel.
Meet our foundersBe part of the next milestone
Whether you’re able to invest time or energy, everyone has a role to play in making the difference.