Bim Bissell, a trailblazer in promoting Indian handicrafts and handlooms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 93. She leaves behind a legacy cherished by her children, William and Monsoon, and a thriving community of artisans who owe much of their recognition to her efforts. Married to John Bissell, the founder of FabIndia, Bim Nanda Bissell—fondly known as Bim—played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a cultural and economic force.
FabIndia, founded in 1960 by John Bissell, became a beacon for traditional Indian crafts under Bim’s stewardship. Her passion for Indian textiles and her unwavering commitment to artisan livelihoods helped establish FabIndia as a platform where Indian craftspeople could showcase their talent while earning sustainable incomes. Her contributions were instrumental in ensuring that Indian heritage found a place in contemporary markets.
Bim’s impact extended far beyond FabIndia. Known for her striking presence, often adorned in elegant handloom saris, she was admired for her style and substance. Sakina Mehta, wife of the late artist Tyeb Mehta, recalled working alongside Bim at FabIndia’s Jangpura office in the 1970s, describing her as a dynamic and inspiring figure.
Her professional journey was equally illustrious. Bim served as a social secretary to US Ambassadors in New Delhi and later as an external affairs officer at the World Bank from 1975 to 1996. In 1992, she co-founded Udyogini, an NGO aimed at empowering assetless and landless women, with Ela Bhatt of SEWA as its chair. This initiative, supported by Japanese government funds and the World Bank, exemplified her commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Bim’s contributions to urban spaces in India were also notable. Ratish Nanda of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture credited her with securing funds to establish the Playhouse at Delhi’s Sunder Nursery, a beloved attraction for children in the city.
Her vision for FabIndia was encapsulated in an Instagram post shared by the company in 2020. “Tradition to me is the best of our heritage. Central to this is the vision of creating and contributing to sustainable livelihoods for artisans and craftspeople, so that the craft tradition stays alive, inclusive and accessible. Fabrics handwoven, hand printed, converted into contemporary items influenced by our tradition, is what defines our ethos,” she wrote, highlighting her philosophy of blending heritage with modernity.
Bim Bissell’s legacy is not just one of craftsmanship and textiles but of empowerment, sustainability, and an enduring love for India’s cultural heritage. Her visionary approach will continue to inspire artisans, entrepreneurs, and cultural custodians for generations to come.
