The exhibition Rehnuma: the Guiding Star, bridged gaps in time, space, and perspectives, presenting unique textiles handcrafted by Ajrakh Artisan Designers in Kutch, India. Program graduates of Somaiya Kala Vidya responded to the theme "Rehnuma", aiming to amplify star motifs in their Ajrakh tradition. Each designer, while using a shared repertoire, brought a unique interpretation to the theme.

Judy Frater, a pioneer in design education for traditional artisans, discussed craft traditions, creative agency restoration through education, and personal expressions in Ajrakh textiles. She emphasized the human connection in handmade crafts, highlighting the value of individual creativity. Acquiring work from an Artisan Designer, according to artisans, fosters a lasting connection as "the textile slowly wears away, we remember the person who made it."

Ajrakh is a centuries old hand printed textile tradition from the Northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Creating Ajrakh requires skill in carving fine symmetrical wood blocks, and in registration of multiple block impressions. At least three perfectly matched blocks are used to create each multi-coloured pattern. Ajrakh requires knowledge of the chemistry of complex resist, mordant and natural dye substances, and expert dyeing. Ajrakh also requires patience; the slower the work, the better the quality.

Innovating within the tradition requires much more. The textiles in the exhibition were engineered: Artisan Designers planned their designs in their imaginations. They hand placed blocks in new geometric and asymmetrical compositions rather than stamping them in the regular rows of traditional textiles. They made patterns by masking with paper and developed new colour schemes. They took the time to pivot from producing merchandise to creating art.

Connecting For India founded by SALONI as a platform dedicated to facilitating connections between Indian craft communities and global craft enthusiasts. Through collaborative projects, Connecting For India links craft traditions with contemporary horizons. The platform aims to support artisans through the power of connection and camaraderie across its communities and global networks.