Vakas belongs to the Khatri community of traditional dyers. His maternal grandfather, a fine bandhani artist, perished in the earthquake of 2001. In his grandfather’s memory, Vakas took up bandhani as a profession. Today, Vakas has a studio in Bhuj where he makes bandhani in silk and cotton to order for clients. Vakas’s work is for the apparel market but he is equally capable in the home furnishing area.

He hopes to learn natural dyeing and develop a collection of natural dyed bandhani fashions. “I learned that design has a path and a process. I have my eye on the market. I have lots of ideas but now I can begin to focus. Through my experience at KRV I have gained confidence. I am thinking of doing my own work now.