Sujata Biswas - The Progress Catalyst
Transforming fashion through sustainability
Sujata Biswas’ journey exemplifies her passion for blending traditional crafts with contemporary sensibilities. As the co-founder of Suta, a fashion label celebrating Indian textiles and handwoven fabrics, Sujata has been a trailblazer in the sustainable fashion industry. Her entrepreneurial vision has revolutionised the sari landscape, transforming it into a global phenomenon that values inclusivity, heritage, and craftsmanship.
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: 1987 (37 as of March 2024)
Hometown: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Parents: Parthasarathi Biswas
Spouse: Siddharth Sivaramakrishnan
Education: Engineering from CET Bhubaneswar and an MBA from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi
Employment History: Sujata’s experience over seven years includes roles at the Essar Group, Jindal Group, and IIT Bombay
Co-founder of Suta (Sanskrit for “thread”), a sustainable fashion label celebrating traditional Indian weaves and artisanship.
Sujata Biswas’ career journey reflects her dedication to reviving India’s textile traditions while addressing modern sensibilities. Her work demonstrates how passion, purpose, and sustainability can drive entrepreneurial success.
Sujata Biswas, reviving Indian heritage
Sujata Biswas co-founded Suta in 2016 alongside her sister, Taniya Biswas, to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation in Indian fashion. With their brand ethos rooted in promoting handwoven textiles and empowering artisans, Suta has created a significant social and economic impact on weavers across India.
Sujata’s idea for Suta was born from her travels and exposure to the dwindling livelihood of traditional weavers. Suta focuses on promoting fabrics such as mul cotton, jamdani, and organic linen, offering a modern touch to classic Indian weaves.
Under Sujata’s leadership, Suta has expanded its product portfolio to include saris, blouses, home decor, and menswear. It has gained a loyal following for its simplicity, affordability, and dedication to sustainability, attracting customers globally.
Impact Maker Sujata Biswas
Sujata Biswas’ commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship has positively impacted the lives of over 17,000 artisans, providing them with stable incomes and preserving age-old weaving traditions. Through collaborations with NGOs and direct partnerships with weavers, Sujata has helped scale the sari industry while ensuring ethical practices.
Suta’s emphasis on sustainability is evident in its use of organic dyes, eco-friendly packaging, and ethical supply chains. This commitment has positioned the brand as a leader in India’s growing sustainable fashion movement.
Change Maker Sujata Biswas
Beyond her work with Suta, Sujata actively advocates for women’s entrepreneurship and sustainability in business. She frequently shares her insights at industry events and workshops, inspiring young entrepreneurs to follow their passions while embracing conscious practices.
Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic showcased resilience, with Suta quickly pivoting to digital platforms and launching initiatives like Suta Earth, a sub-brand focused on eco-friendly innovations.
Progress Catalyst Sujata Biswas
Sujata Biswas’ long-term vision for Suta includes creating an entirely circular fashion brand that contributes to environmental well-being. By promoting slow fashion and timeless designs, she has encouraged consumers to embrace sustainable buying behaviours.
Under her guidance, Suta has scaled operations while retaining its commitment to quality and heritage. Sujata envisions a future where every product tells a story of tradition, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
Achievements
Co-founding Suta in 2016: Sujata revolutionised the handwoven sari industry, making it accessible to modern consumers globally.
Empowering Artisans: Through Suta, Sujata has supported thousands of weavers across India, preserving traditional techniques.
Sustainability Advocate: Launched eco-friendly initiatives such as Suta Earth and sustainable packaging solutions.
Global Recognition: Featured in multiple platforms like The Voice of Fashion, Fibre2Fashion, and The Telegraph India.
Expanding Markets: Positioned Suta in international markets, adapting the brand to appeal to a global audience.
Awards & Recognitions
Women Transforming India Awards (2021) by NITI Aayog.
eShe Achievers Award (2023) for sustainable fashion.
Featured in Forbes India for innovative entrepreneurship.
Recognised as one of the top women entrepreneurs in India by Social Samosa.
Highlighted by The Telegraph India for contributions to India’s handloom industry.
