Self-help groups shine at trade fair

The India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 has become a vibrant celebration of grassroots entrepreneurship, with the ‘Saras Ajeevika Mela’ in Halls 9 and 10 providing a platform for women artisans to display their handmade crafts. Organised to promote self-help groups (SHGs) formed under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, the mela has become a beacon of grassroots empowerment and entrepreneurial success stories.

From the intricate ‘Chamba Rumals’ of Himachal Pradesh to the luxurious pashmina creations of Ladakh, and woolen garments from Punjab, each stall narrates a tale of resilience and tradition. These women, many of whom were homemakers with no independent income, have now transformed into successful entrepreneurs supporting their families and preserving heritage crafts.

Right at the entrance of the pavilion, colorful displays of handmade items catch the eye. Clothing, jewellery, pickles, baskets, homegrown produce, and even artwork adorn the stalls. These aren’t just commodities—they are the embodiment of countless hours of labour, tradition, and determination.

Anita from Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district has brought a collection of exquisite hand-embroidered Chamba Rumals, an art form dating back to the royal era. “This is my hereditary work. My grandmother and mother did it, and I am continuing their legacy,” she shared. Anita’s SHG, which began in 2019, now has 25 women creating these intricate pieces. “Even a small flower design takes two days to finish because of the detailed work,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Surender Kaur from Punjab proudly displayed woollen garments for children, women, and men. Representing Navikiran SHG from a village in Patiala, Kaur explained that her group works tirelessly during summer to prepare items for winter sales. “We’ve been part of this mela for years, and each time we come here, the response motivates us to work harder. My group has grown over time, and now women in our village earn a stable income,” she said.

“After losing my husband, this work became my lifeline. Initially, I focused on khaddi woolen shawls, but due to health issues, I switched to knitting jackets, hats, and socks,” she added.

Rigzen Yangdol, hailing from Ladakh’s Fiang village, represents an SHG that started with seven women in 2016 and now boasts 160 members. The group specialises in spinning and weaving pashmina products by hand. “Our material is 100% pashmina, and we recently received a GI tag for our work. Initially, sales were slow because people found pashmina expensive, but now our products are exported to countries like Canada and France,” Yangdol shared.

The SHG owes its growth to the Lakhpati Didi scheme, under which women were trained for three months and provided with raw materials. “When we started, we were completely dependent on our husbands. Now, we’re earning independently and even making international deliveries, sometimes with the help of our children who know English,” she said with a smile.

Chandra Devi from Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh is another shining example of women rising together. Her SHG, which began in 2019, consists of seven women who create shawls, baskets, warm kurtis, and other woolen items. “It takes us 3-4 months to complete a batch of products, which we sell at fairs and exhibitions,” she explained.

Chandra’s journey began with a single handloom, inspiring other women in her locality to join her. “This work has not only provided us with income but also a sense of purpose,” she said.

The Saras Ajeevika Mela isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a platform where women can showcase their skills, connect with buyers, and inspire others. Many artisans credit the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) for helping them reach this stage. “Without this support, we wouldn’t have had the confidence or resources to participate in such events,” said Yangdol.