Adam, and his younger brother Nauman, are the 10th generation of traditional Ajrakh painters, a legacy passed onto them from their grandfather, Khatri Mohamed Sidik, and their father, Abdul Jabbar Mohammad Khatri.

Adam began his journey as an artisan at a young age. At the age of 5, he started learning the craft from his grandfather. Adam's passion for the artistry of traditional Ajrakh printing is not only a personal endeavor but also a vision for the future. He understands the importance of passing on this invaluable heritage to the generations that follow. 

Adam completed a 1-year diploma course in textile design from National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD), Bhuj. His accolades include the prestigious Best Designer Award, Best Wearable Garment Award, and Best Fabric Award from NIFD, Bhuj (2005), and a National Award by the Government of India in 2011. 

Preserving Tradition With a Contemporary Twist

Adam's experiences as an artisan have been guided by a profound belief in the importance of preserving tradition while infusing it with contemporary ideas. He possesses an in-depth understanding of traditional block patterns and meticulously translates them to meet modern-day requirements. His relentless pursuit of process and precision has been the hallmark of his craft.

In addition to his regular workshop productions, Adam's passion for the craft extends to self-initiated projects that involve extensive research and development of new shades of natural dyes and pattern designs. His curiosity and creative brainstorming have allowed him to bring a contemporary touch to the traditional craft, making it relevant not only in India but also in homes around the world.

Adam thrives on collaboration with designers, viewing each challenge as an opportunity to expand the horizons of the craft. His commitment to lifelong learning and an exploratory approach, coupled with technical finesse, consistently yield remarkable results. He believes that learning should be a perpetual journey, and his work exemplifies this philosophy.

Nurturing the Craft for Generations to Come

Beyond his remarkable achievements, Adam is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of designers. He has served as a mentor at the Indenium School of Responsible Design (a school of design offering specializations in Indigo, Denim, and Sustainability, headquartered in Dharamshala, India) since 2020. His dedication to education spans 15 years, conducting hands-on natural dyeing and printing workshops for students from various institutes, including NID Ahmedabad.

Adam has also taken his expertise global, leading workshops at the Maiwa School of Textiles (Canada) in 2017 and 2019. His passion for sustaining cultural heritage led him to participate as a key speaker in a panel discussion curated by Eiluned Edwards at Craft Revival Trust, India, in 2017. In 2022, he initiated the groundbreaking project “Ajrakh Koydo,” designing a puzzle that celebrates the Ajrakh craft and is now a registered trademark with patenting in progress. 

Adam's dedication to preserving tradition while embracing contemporary ideas has not only elevated the craft but has also opened doors to new and exciting collaborations. With his unwavering commitment and fondness for the Ajrakh art, Adam Khatri is helping shape the future of Ajrakh printing, making it a cherished part of modern-day homes in India and across the world. He is leading by example right from his home, where his children are also learning the art of Ajrakh making.