The Alam Brothers: Defying Automation, Keeping Handcrafted Embroidery Timeless
Reported by Uzma Shaikh
Pune, 2nd November 2024: In a world driven by machines and modern technology, finding individuals who uphold traditional art forms passed down through generations is becoming increasingly rare. Yet, the story of Kamrealam, a master of hand embroidery, exemplifies the triumph of dedication, resilience, and the human spirit over adversity.
Kamrealam’s childhood was anything but promising. Born into a modest family in Bihar, he struggled academically and could not find his footing in any trade. Neither studies nor any form of work seemed to suit him. As a young boy with little direction, he set out on a journey to discover his purpose, traveling across different states in search of something he could excel at.
His first stop was Kolkata, a bustling metropolis filled with opportunities. However, finding work there proved to be more challenging than he had anticipated. After days of searching and facing rejection, Kamrealam resorted to selling newspapers to make ends meet. Despite the meager earnings, he was determined not to give up. After saving enough money, he embarked on a journey to Mumbai, hoping to acquire new skills and break into the workforce.
But Mumbai was no haven for him either. The competitive environment and the high cost of living made it nearly impossible for him to establish himself. His life took a more dangerous turn when he found himself caught up in the events surrounding a terror attack near Jama Masjid in 1997. Witnessing bullets flying past him was a horrifying experience that left him traumatized. Shaken by the ordeal, he fled the city and sought refuge in Pune.
It was in Pune that his life began to take a new direction. As he wandered the city, Kamrealam noticed the intricate work of embroidery artisans, meticulously crafting designs by hand. This art form resonated deeply with him, sparking a newfound interest and determination. He began training as an embroidery worker, dedicating countless hours to mastering the delicate craft.
“Embroidery became more than a skill—it became my calling,” Kamrealam recalls. “Watching those artisans work, I realized this was something special. I knew it was something I wanted to do with my life.”
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Despite his growing skills, success did not come easily. He opened a small embroidery workshop in Lohiya Nagar with his brother, Shamsalam, but initially struggled to find clients or receive orders. It was a slow and difficult start, marked by little recognition and financial reward. However, they remained hopeful. Their talent and persistence gradually caught the attention of local clients, and eventually, a turning point arrived when they became associated with Jai Hind, a well-known name in the textile industry.
From that moment on, their work flourished. Kamrealam’s intricate designs and attention to detail set him apart, and soon their name became synonymous with quality embroidery. Today, Kamrealam and Shamsalam are respected figures in the world of hand embroidery, known collectively as the Alam Brothers.
“It wasn’t easy, but we never lost hope,” Kamrealam reflects. “Hand embroidery takes time and patience, and people didn’t always appreciate that. But slowly, people began to see the value in our work.”
Kamrealam believes that while the rise of modern technology has led to a decline in demand for hand-embroidered products, the artistry of the human hand cannot be replaced by machines. “Embroidery,” he says, “is not just about stitches; it’s about the emotion and skill that come from the hands that create it. The impressions left on fingers are witnesses to the craft, and machines cannot replicate the soul of a handcrafted design.”
His journey from a directionless boy to a master artisan is a testament to the power of perseverance. While the world may be moving toward automation, Kamrealam is confident that the tradition of hand embroidery will endure, carried on by those who recognize the unique value of human craftsmanship. “As long as there are people who value tradition and artistry, hand embroidery will live on,” he says confidently. “Machines may be faster, but they can never replace the soul that comes with something made by hand.”
Address : 54/H/P Lohiya Nagar, Ganj Peth, near fire brigade (gali no 4), Pune -42
