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94-year-old Kolkata artisan makes Santa dolls by hand, Anand Mahindra reacts: ‘I want to buy a signed piece at a premium’

In a post, Anand Mahindra said he has reached out to his friends in Kolkata to help him buy a signed piece by C H Chang.

3 min readNew DelhiDec 28, 2025 07:27 PM IST

C H Chang has been crafting Santa dolls for over six decades (Image source: @anandmahindra/X)

Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, often shares motivational posts on X, bringing out stories from across India and worldwide that never fail to strike a chord with his followers. Mahindra Saturday dedicated a post to a 94-year-old artisan, C H Chang from Kolkata, who still makes Santa dolls and Christmas trees by hand.

Resharing a video report by The Better India, Mahindra said he has reached out to his friends in Kolkata to help him buy a signed piece by Chang. “Mr. Chang’s story is incredibly poignant. At 94, his dedication to his craft is a reminder of why we should value artisanship over assembly lines. I’m reaching out to friends in Kolkata to connect with him,” he wrote.

“I want to buy a signed piece at a premium (perhaps with a fabric tag saying “Made by C.H. Chang?”) Not out of sympathy, but because his work is a rare treasure. Let’s ensure his festive season secures his year-round income. An autographed Mr. Chang original is a legacy worth owning,” he added.

According to the video, Chang has been crafting Santa dolls for over six decades. He learned the art from his mother and later transformed it into a full-time profession. With no alternative source of income, Chang creates Santa dolls and Christmas trees each year, and the earnings from this seasonal work sustain him.

See the post here:

Mr. Chang’s story is incredibly poignant.

At 94, his dedication to his craft is a reminder of why we should value artisanship over assembly lines.

I’m reaching out to friends in Kolkata to connect with him.

I want to buy a signed piece at a premium (perhaps with a fabric tag… pic.twitter.com/l2Hus81EWu

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 27, 2025

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The video quickly gained traction, with several users extending love and support to Chang. “When artisans disappear, cultures don’t fade; they get erased. Supporting Mr. Chang isn’t sentiment. It’s preservation through respect and fair value,” a user wrote. “This is such a thoughtful initiative. Celebrating real artisans and ensuring their dignity and livelihood is truly inspiring. May Mr. Chang’s legacy shine brighter than ever,” another user commented.

“Beautifully said. Preserving artisanal legacy is how culture survives generations. Stories like Mr. Chang’s remind us that true wealth lies in skill, patience, and pride in one’s craft,” a third user reacted.