Silchar’s Rajeshori Dey Designs Saree Worn By President Murmu At Vice President’s Oath

When President Droupadi Murmu walked into Rashtrapati Bhavan on September 12, 2025, for the swearing-in ceremony of the 15th Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, she wore a saree that has a very special Silchar connection. Draped in a traditional, elegant saree carrying motifs of Jharkhand’s cultural richness, the President’s attire spoke of artistry, identity, and tradition. But behind that saree lay the story of Silchar’s Rajeshori Dey — whose design had travelled from her sketchbook to the wardrobe of the First Citizen of India, the President.

The Saree That Spoke of Jharkhand

Rajeshori works as an Associate Textile Designer at Jharcraft, Ranchi, a Jharkhand Government undertaking that promotes sericulture, handloom, and handicrafts of the state. It was here that one of her designs was selected by the President.

The saree drew inspiration from Jharkhand’s cultural and natural heritage, weaving in motifs like the elephant — the state animal, a powerful symbol of strength and identity, and an integral part of local traditions. “Through these motifs, I wanted to represent the essence of Jharkhand’s artistry and spirit on such a grand national stage,” she said, talking to Barak Bulletin.

This wasn’t the first time her work had caught the attention of dignitaries. Earlier in 2025, a saree she designed was chosen by MLA Kalpana Soren and Chief Minister Hemant Soren for the Eastern Zonal Council Meeting. That moment planted a quiet dream in her heart: what if one day the President of India wore her creation? Just months later, that dream came true.

From Silchar To Design School

Rajeshori’s journey began in Silchar, where she completed her schooling at Maharishi Vidya Mandir (2013), studied Arts at Ramanuj College, and graduated with a BA from Gurucharan College in 2018. But her true calling was always art.

Her love for painting began in childhood, inspired by her elder sister. Both were enrolled in art classes, and while her sister’s interest sparked the journey, Rajeshori soon discovered her own passion. She went on to complete a sixth-year diploma in painting from Bangiya Sangeet Parishad.

Yet, after higher secondary school, unsure of her path, she pursued a regular graduation programme. Painting slowly faded into the background until, after college, she felt the need to return to her creative roots. “I realised I could no longer ignore my true calling,” she recalled.

In 2019, she joined Assam University’s Visual Arts Department while preparing for the NIFT entrance exam. A year later, she was admitted to NIFT Kolkata, specialising in Textile Design. Though it meant starting afresh with a second graduation, she embraced the challenge, graduating in 2024.

Family Support And Sacrifices

Pursuing design wasn’t easy, especially given the high costs of a NIFT education. Her mother’s guiding words — “No matter the challenges, you must learn to stand on your own feet” — and her elder sister’s financial and emotional support kept her going. “Her encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my degree despite the odds,” Rajeshori said.

Her father, too, played a key role. In September 2024, when she almost skipped the Jharcraft interview because it was in Ranchi and she couldn’t travel on such short notice, it was his advice that changed her mind. “Whether you pass or fail is secondary, but you must go and give the interview. It’s the experience that matters,” he told her, and she was selected — despite only one vacancy.

A Designer At Jharcraft

Since joining Jharcraft in late 2024, Rajeshori has worked on designs often chosen for ministers and dignitaries. But the President wearing her saree was beyond imagination.

“To see my creation become part of such a historic moment is beyond words. It is a profound feeling of joy, fulfilment, and honour,” she said, reflecting on the September 12 ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Presidents, former Vice President, Union Ministers, and dignitaries.

A Dream Threaded In Perseverance

Her story is one of rediscovery and resilience. From nearly giving up on art to starting a second graduation, and from a small town in Assam to Rashtrapati Bhavan’s wardrobe, Rajeshori’s journey proves that no dream is too distant.

“I’m sincerely grateful to Jharcraft for believing in my work and to NIFT Kolkata, where my professors shaped me into who I am today. This experience has deepened my commitment to celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage our crafts represent. Here’s to continuing the journey — one thread, one story, one dream at a time,” she said.

Rajeshori is the granddaughter of the late Gopendra Chandra Dey, who was a renowned artist and photographer in his time and the founder of Alochaya Studio. “I suppose I inherited his creative genes!”, she added.