Smita Mishra 
FEATURE: In a world dominated by fast fashion and mass production, where traditions often fade into the background, one man has taken it upon himself to bring the rich heritage of Indian handlooms back into the spotlight. Sujit Meher, an international fashion designer, entrepreneur, and social activist, is not just designing clothes—he is designing a movement. A movement that honors the craftsmanship of India, uplifts local artisans, and redefines the way the world sees Odisha’s handloom industry.
Born and raised in a small town in Odisha, Sujit’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His path was not conventional—he was studying engineering when he felt the undeniable pull toward creativity. Something inside him told him that his destiny lay beyond the world of machines and numbers. That calling led him to the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Bangalore. But even in the world of high fashion, his heart remained rooted in his culture.
During his years at NIFT, a vision took shape in his mind. “I do design for a cause,” he often says, and this motto became the foundation of his life’s work. He watched with concern as India’s traditional arts and crafts slowly lost their significance. The rich legacy of handwoven fabrics, intricate embroidery, and indigenous designs was being overshadowed by industrialization. It was a wake-up call. He knew he had to do something before these centuries-old crafts faded away entirely.
That was when he founded Tilottama, a brand named after his beloved grandmother. His bond with her was special, and he wanted her name to live on, to be whispered across the world, carried by the fabric of tradition and modernity woven together. In 2014, Tilottama was born—not just as a business but as a tribute, a revolution, and a dream set in motion.
Sujit did not just want to create fashion; he wanted to change perceptions. He saw a common misconception—that Sambalpuri prints and Odisha’s handlooms were only for the elderly. He wanted to break that stereotype. His designs merged traditional weaves with contemporary styles, making them fashionable for the youth. He wanted young people to wear Odisha’s heritage with pride, to embrace their culture not just in museums but in their everyday wardrobes.
When he first started, it was a humble export house. But what happened next was beyond his wildest dreams. The response from international markets was overwhelming. People across the globe fell in love with the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and soulful craftsmanship of Odisha’s textiles. Soon, Tilottama wasn’t just an export house—it became a global brand. The doors of opportunity opened, and collaborations with foreign brands started pouring in. It wasn’t long before Sujit found himself launching stores in Amsterdam, Dubai, London, Istanbul, and other parts of the Middle East. Today, Tilottama has stores in more than eight countries, taking Odisha’s artistry to the world.
But for Sujit, success wasn’t just about global recognition. His heart remained with the artisans of Odisha—the weavers who had spent generations perfecting their craft but struggled to make a living. He was deeply disturbed by the fact that many of these skilled artisans had to migrate to Surat and other cities to work as laborers in textile factories, leaving behind their families and traditions. “Why should they leave their motherland for mere survival when they can thrive here?” he questioned.
With this thought, he took a bold step. He didn’t just create employment; he created a movement to empower Odisha’s weavers. He initiated free skill development programs, reviving the age-old Havaspuri handloom of Kalahandi, ensuring that these artisans could continue their craft with dignity. And he didn’t stop there. He opened Tilottama first Odisha store in Dharamgarh, followed by expansions into Bhawanipatna, Bargarh, and other towns. His dream is simple yet powerful—to make Odisha the textile hub of India.
Recognizing his relentless efforts and extraordinary achievements, the Government of India honored him with the prestigious Indian Achiever’s Award in 2021. He became the first Odia to receive this honor, standing as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and designers. The award was powered by the Government of India and the Indian Achiever Forum, recognizing his remarkable contribution to promoting and exporting Indian handloom globally.
And then came the defining moment—an ₹180 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Odisha government and Tilottama Textiles. This massive investment is set to revolutionize the state’s handloom industry, creating countless opportunities for local artisans and bringing Odisha’s textiles into the global limelight. Sujit’s dream is no longer just a vision; it is unfolding before his eyes.
“This is not just business,” he says with deep conviction. “This is an emotion. Our pride is our handloom and the Konark Chakra. I just want our handloom to be as famous as the Konark Chakra.”
And indeed, he is making it happen.
From the classrooms of NIFT to the runways of international fashion capitals, from a small-town boy in Odisha to a globally recognized entrepreneur, Sujit Meher’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose. He is not just designing clothes; he is weaving the identity of a state, a culture, and a legacy into every thread. Odisha’s handloom is no longer just a part of history—it is the fabric of the future, thanks to one man’s unwavering vision.
