Vijaya Rajan, former chairperson of The Crafts Council of India (CCI) and wife of V.S. Rajan, passed away in Chennai on Thursday. Deeply committed to the handicrafts of the country, she was instrumental in establishing the CCI in 1976, where she served as chairperson for more than four decades.Her passion for the growth and development of the crafts saw the organisation spearheading many landmark programmes under her stewardship. As a friend, philosopher, and guide of every craft artisan, she was deeply sensitive to their personal and professional growth.Published - April 10, 2026 12:55 am IST