Artist and historian Shelly Jyoti unravels the deep connections between indigo, art, and Gandhian principles, redefining how we perceive this historic dye. Through her work, she challenges the indigo’s colonial past, transforming it into a symbol of self-reliance, resistance, and cultural identity. In this talk, she shares her personal journey of reviving Ajrakh printmaking, merging heritage crafts with Gandhian philosophy to spark a conversation on sustainability, decolonization, and artistic activism. By embedding history into fabric, she reimagines indigo as more than a color—it’s a narrative, a movement, and a call to action.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Specializing in Indigo artwork, Shelly Jyoti explores Gandhian philosophies alongside contemporary themes of sustainability, resilience, and cultural identity. A virtuoso of cultural artistry, her work has been showcased in the Indian Parliament building. Her exhibitions blend history and modernity, celebrating India’s rich heritage through a contemporary lens. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx