Success Editor Team
Mira Devi, a determined and entrepreneurial woman from Kelo, a tribal village in Khunti district of Jharkhand, has become an inspiring example of how skill development and self-belief can transform lives. Belonging to the Santhali tribe, Mira’s journey to success wasn’t easy, but her passion and persistence have paved the way for a remarkable entrepreneurial career. Today, she is recognized as a skilled bamboo handicrafts expert who has not only created a thriving business but also empowered other women in her community.
Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose
Growing up in the small tribal village of Kelo, Mira Devi was familiar with the traditional skills passed down from her ancestors. Like most women in her village, she had some knowledge of bamboo craft, but she had never considered using it to build a career. Mira participated in various handicraft fairs across Jharkhand, which gave her valuable exposure to the craft industry, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic hit that her path to success truly began. With craft exhibitions coming to a halt due to the pandemic, Mira decided to open her own handicrafts shop in Khunti, marking the first step toward turning her passion into a livelihood.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
Mira’s breakthrough moment came in February 2018 when she received an unexpected opportunity from the Torpa Rural Development Society for Women (TRDSW) and the EdelGive Foundation. The two organizations partnered to offer a skill development training program focused on bamboo handicrafts. Mira, already familiar with basic bamboo weaving, enrolled in the program, unaware that it would change the course of her life forever.
The training taught her how to take her bamboo crafting skills to the next level. She learned advanced techniques for turning simple bamboo stalks into beautiful, functional, and decorative handicraft pieces. Through the program, Mira gained not only technical skills but also the confidence to believe in her abilities and potential. The knowledge she acquired was essential to refining her craft and discovering creative ways to make her products stand out in the competitive handicrafts market.
Mastering Bamboo Craft: From Basics to Creative Art
Mira’s journey didn’t stop with the basic training she received. Determined to build on what she had learned, she continued to invest in her education and attended more training sessions, this time focusing on antique design-making with bamboo. This enhanced her skills and opened her eyes to the vast possibilities that bamboo could offer in terms of artistic expression. She began designing intricate and decorative bamboo items that combined traditional techniques with modern, innovative ideas. From bamboo baskets and furniture to intricate home décor, Mira’s creations started to reflect both the rich cultural heritage of her tribe and her unique artistic vision.
Building a Business and Empowering Other Women
With her new skills and renewed confidence, Mira Devi opened a business selling her bamboo handicrafts. Her shop quickly became a success, attracting both local customers and tourists who appreciated the beauty and uniqueness of her creations. Not only did her business thrive, but Mira also became a role model for other women in her village. Through her example, she showed that with the right skills and determination, even the most remote tribal women could build sustainable livelihoods and become financially independent.
Moreover, Mira’s success story didn’t stop with her personal achievements. She used her knowledge and expertise to train other women in her community, empowering them with the skills they needed to earn a living. By sharing her skills, Mira created a ripple effect that has led to the growth of other bamboo handicraft businesses in her village. Her commitment to supporting women’s economic empowerment has made a significant impact in the region, helping to uplift not only her own life but also the lives of many others.
A Bright Future Ahead
Mira Devi’s success story is a testament to the transformative power of skill development, hard work, and a strong sense of community. From humble beginnings in a remote tribal village to becoming a celebrated bamboo handicrafts expert, Mira has built a thriving business and is continuing to inspire others. As more women in her community join her in mastering bamboo crafting techniques, Mira’s impact continues to grow. She is an embodiment of the resilience, creativity, and determination that can lead to success even in the face of adversity.
Today, Mira’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the possibilities that open up when traditional skills are combined with modern innovation and entrepreneurship. Her journey highlights the importance of skill development programs and the role they play in transforming lives and communities. As Mira Devi’s business flourishes and her influence expands, her legacy as a trailblazer for women’s empowerment and bamboo craftsmanship in Jharkhand is sure to inspire generations to come.
