Enthused after learning to make bamboo handicrafts, Mira Devi, an enterprising homemaker, harnesses her skills to achieve entrepreneurial success and trains others towards financial self-sufficiency.
Mira Devi of Kelo village in Jharkhand, was like any other rural homemaker, dedicating her time and effort to daily household chores. However, she harboured a dream of increasing her household income.
As bamboo is available in abundance in the forest area surrounding her village in the Rania administrative block of Khunti district, she decided to make bamboo baskets. Little did she know that this decision would become a turning point in her life.
In 2018, Mira Devi participated in a training programme for making bamboo handicrafts. She discovered her passion and talent for crafting with bamboo in this training organised by the Torpa Rural Development Society for Women (TRDSW), with the support of EdelGive Foundation.
Enthused by her newfound interest, she travelled to Ranchi to refine her skills under the guidance of a master trainer. Starting with simple creations like globes, pen stands and boxes, Mira Devi gradually expanded her enterprise, diversifying her bamboo handicrafts.
“A special variety called the Bengal bamboo (Bambusa tulda) grows in the wild in Rania. So, I go to the forest to cut these dark green bamboo culms,” said Mira Devi. “When there’s a shortage of this particular variety in the forest, I travel to Odisha’s Rourkela market to buy Bengal bamboo, so my handicraft business won’t be affected.”
Mira Devi has gained confidence in her abilities by actively participating in SARAS melas – SARAS standing for Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society, promoted by the Ministry of Rural Development – and exhibitions held in different districts of Jharkhand.
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Recognising her potential, TRDSW approached the district administration to promote her skills and enterprise. As a result, Mira Devi was given shelf space at the Palash shop, a government-promoted store located on the Khunti-Chaibasa Road, where she could showcase and sell her products.
Additionally, she became associated with the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), which enables her to showcase her products on the online platform of Palash.
Mira Devi’s success story reached new heights on March 13, 2023, during the Women’s Day celebration at TRDSW, Torpa, supported by the Edelgive Foundation. Also, year after year on Women’s Day, Mira has been able to showcase her work and sell her products at the event, thus giving her a platform to promote her products and herself. In front of an audience of 3,350 women, Mira Devi, now empowered and accomplished, shared her entrepreneurial journey, inspiring others. She revealed how her current earnings enhance her household income.
To express her gratitude to TRDSW for their pivotal role in her enterprising journey, Mira Devi presented an award, crafted by her own hands, to Mariaelena Figueredo, director of TRDSW, during this event.
Her work also leads to invitations from various organisations in Jharkhand to train others in making bamboo handicrafts. Mira Devi selflessly provides free skill training to numerous women across several districts, becoming a beacon of self-reliance and empowerment.
With her remarkable achievements, Mira Devi has not only transformed her own life but also impacted the lives of 22 men and women in her village. Becoming a master trainer in bamboo handicrafts, she confidently continues her journey, empowering others and fostering self-sufficiency.
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“I have gained respect in society. Even my husband now respects and supports me, especially during my busy schedule when I have numerous orders to complete. Today I can sustain my family solely with my income,” said Mira Devi proudly.
With an annual net earnings of around Rs 7 lakh, she takes pride in providing her children with better education. Mira Devi’s dedication and success caught the attention of prime minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged her on ‘Mann ki Baat’ a year ago.
Also Read: Bamboo eliminates poverty among Wayanad villagers
The lead image shows Mira Devi making bamboo handicrafts (Photo courtesy TRDSW)
Mariaelena Figueredo is the director of TRDSW. Shveta Jadhav is the team lead at TRDSW. Anshula Agarwal is an intern at TRDSW, facilitated by Village Square.
