- From the local market, the women of Bhanwarpur reached the national Saras fairs.
Rural women, once confined to the four walls of their homes and fulfilling their family responsibilities, are today writing a new chapter of self-reliance through their skills and hard work. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service, advancing the spirit of self-reliant India and women’s empowerment, the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission, “Bihan,” is becoming a powerful medium for organizing women, empowering them economically, and connecting them with the mainstream of development. The women of the Naya Savera Women’s Self-Help Group, formed in village Bhanwarpur, Basna, Mahasamund district, have strengthened their livelihoods through collective efforts, skills, and hard work, presenting a transformative story of self-reliance that is becoming a new hope and inspiration for other women in the village.
The women in the group turned their traditional skills into a means of livelihood, producing various products including Kosha saris, shawls, dupattas, and towels. The support and marketing initiatives provided by the Bihan Yojana allowed the women’s products to expand beyond the local level and reach major cities across the country. Today, the women in the group are moving forward with confidence and self-reliance, contributing to their family income through their skills.
The Naya Savera Women’s Self-Help Group, formed under the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission Bihan, received the benefit of a revolving fund through the District Panchayat Basna. This support played a significant role in accelerating the group’s economic activities. The women collectively developed an action plan and began transforming their traditional skills into a systematic business. The quality and attractive appearance of the Kosha saris, shawls, dupattas, towels, and other products produced by the women in the group attracted customers. Through Bihan, the group was identified and provided with stalls at various Saras Melas.
The women of Naya Savera Mahila Self Help Group exhibited their products at the Saras Melas held in Bhilai, Raipur, Delhi, Visakhapatnam, and Noida. Customers at these fairs appreciated and purchased the Kosha sarees, shawls, dupattas, gamchhas, and other items manufactured by the group. The group sold goods worth ₹1,25,000 at the Saras Mela in Bhilai, ₹1,01,000 at Raipur, ₹78,000 at Delhi, ₹82,500 at Visakhapatnam, and ₹3,21,000 at Noida, totaling ₹7,07,500. Thus, the sale of the group’s products at various Saras Melas created new opportunities for economic empowerment for women.
The success at the Saras Melas has boosted the enthusiasm and confidence of the women in the group. The group is now selling its products in the local market as well. This provides the women with a steady source of income, and they are striving to expand their business further.