Preserving, Celebrating & Reviving

the cultural heritage of Kutch.

SINCE 2016 AN EFFORT BY SHRUJAN TRUST

What We Are

A Living Heritage Hub. The Living & Learning Design Centre (LLDC) is India's premier multidisciplinary destination for craft. It is not a static museum, but a vibrant ecosystem—a "living" institution where Kutch’s soul is preserved through its hands. Within our expansive campus, we integrate world-class galleries, a textile archive, and a research wing with active training facilities, creating a bridge between ancestral wisdom and modern innovation.

The Vision

Dignity Through Design. LLDC was born from the conviction that traditional craft is a powerful vehicle for social and economic empowerment. Founded by the visionary Chanda Shroff, the Centre honours the legacy of Kutchi artisans—particularly the women whose intricate stitches define the region. We exist to ensure these skills aren't just remembered in books, but practised with pride, providing artisans a global stage and a dignified livelihood.

The Heart of Kutch

Authenticity in Ajrakhpur. Located just 18km from Bhuj, LLDC sits in the historic village of Ajrakhpur. Our campus is an architectural tribute to the landscape, offering an immersive journey through the senses. From our specialized galleries and quiet archives to our open-air studios and café, every corner of the Centre reflects the grounded, resilient spirit of the Kutch desert.

Our Journey

From Seed to Sanctuary. Conceptualised in 2009 and inaugurated in 2016 by the Shrujan Trust, LLDC is the culmination of decades of fieldwork. While our roots go back to the craft revival movements of the 1960s, our vision is fixed firmly on the future. We continue to evolve as a global beacon for conservation, research, and the celebration of human creativity.

The Community

A Global Collaborative. LLDC is built for and by the artisans of Kutch. It is a shared home where master craftspeople, international designers, researchers, and curious travellers converge. Whether you are a scholar studying ancient techniques or a visitor seeking the story behind a textile, you are part of a collaborative ecosystem where heritage lives, breathes, and thrives.