The foundation of Rachna Sikki Hastkala Kendra is a testament to the hard work and creativity of backward-class women and the visionary efforts of Shri Dhirendra Kumar.

Who is Shri Dhirendra Kumar?

Born on July 17, 1967, in the village of Rampur, Madhubani, Bihar, Shri Dhirendra Kumar exhibited artistic talent from a young age. His childhood was filled with creative pursuits like drawing, sculpting, and clay modeling. He crafted small statues for traditional Mithila events such as Sama Chakeva and Kohbar (a Madhubani painting made for weddings).

Initially, art was just a hobby for Dhirendra. He dreamt of becoming a doctor and prepared for the Pre-Medical Test (PMT) but didn’t achieve the desired results. Shifting his focus, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Ancient History and even cleared the BPSC prelims, but destiny had different plans.

A pivotal moment came when his younger sister, Madhu Kumari, encouraged him to pursue his natural artistic talent. Inspired, Dhirendra observed his aunt (late Smt. Usha Devi) weaving baskets with Sikki grass. This sparked a revolutionary idea: to use Sikki to create art on canvas.

The Birth of Sikki Art on Canvas

After months of hard work, Dhirendra created his first Sikki masterpiece—a depiction of Lord Shiva drinking poison. This marked the beginning of a historic innovation in the field of Sikki art.

Dhirendra initially kept his artistic pursuits secret. While his family believed he was preparing for his BPSC mains, he worked on Sikki crafts in a hidden room with his siblings. When visitors came, they would quickly hide their work under the bed.

Eventually, Dhirendra showcased his art publicly for the first time in Madhubani. His father, Late Shri Jagat Narayan Das, a retired Treasury Officer, was initially unaware of this venture. Upon seeing Dhirendra’s work, he encouraged him to abandon traditional job aspirations and focus entirely on Sikki art.

Establishing Rachna Sikki Hastkala Kendra

Dhirendra founded Rachna Sikki Hastkala Kendra, named after his niece Rachna, the only child in the family at the time. Despite facing challenges in gaining recognition, he remained steadfast. To scale production, he trained young girls from SC communities, initially incentivizing them with chocolates and biscuits. Over time, these girls became skilled artisans and started earning wages through their work.

Dhirendra’s art gained visibility through exhibitions at prestigious venues like Dastkar Haat, Delhi Haat, and Pragati Maidan. However, his early years were marked by struggles—three years passed without a single sale. Undeterred, he innovated by creating smaller, affordable art pieces, making Sikki art accessible to all. This approach transformed his fortunes, leading to steady growth and recognition.

In 2016, Shri Dhirendra Kumar received the National Award and State Award for his groundbreaking contributions to Sikki art.

Empowering Communities Through Art

Today, Rachna Sikki Hastkala Kendra employs around 75 women and 16 men, with over 6,000 individuals trained free of charge. Dhirendra has also collaborated with educational and government institutions, offering UGC-certified courses at LNMU Darbhanga and participating in training programs conducted by central and state governments.

The primary mission of Rachna Sikki Hastkala Kendra is to empower women from backward classes, fostering independence and self-reliance under the vision of Mahila Sashaktikaran (Women Empowerment).

Why Rachna Sikki Hastkala Kendra Stands Out

Rachna Sikki is not just about art; it’s about creating opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and bringing global recognition to the ancient craft of Sikki. By transforming a traditional craft into a thriving industry, Shri Dhirendra Kumar has laid the foundation for a sustainable future for artisans across Bihar.

For more information or to explore the beauty of Sikki art, visit RachnaSikki.com