Discover the inspiring journey of Ruma Devi, a renowned artisan and social activist from Rajasthan, India. Her story is one of resilience, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to empowering women.

Wiki/Biography

Born in 1989 in Barmer, Rajasthan, Ruma Devi’s life has been marked by both hardship and triumph. Leaving school at a young age, she faced significant challenges, including the loss of her mother and subsequent financial struggles. Despite these setbacks, her determination has propelled her to remarkable achievements.

Family, Caste & Husband

Ruma comes from a Hindu family. Her father was a farmer, and she was raised primarily by her uncle and aunt after her mother’s passing and her father’s remarriage. The eldest of eight siblings, she married at 16. Tragically, she lost her son at a young age due to a lack of access to proper healthcare. This loss fueled her commitment to improving the lives of others.

Career

Driven by necessity, Ruma channeled her grandmother’s teachings in embroidery and sewing. She formed a women’s group, initially with ten members, contributing 100 rupees each to purchase a sewing machine. With mentorship from social activist Vikram Singh, they began creating cushions, bags, and garments. This small group blossomed into a remarkable organization, now encompassing an impressive 22,000 women.

On July 14, 1998, she founded Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS), a self-help group dedicated to empowering women artisans. The group excels in various handicraft techniques like Kantha stitch, embroidery, patchwork, and fabric printing. Ruma Devi serves as its President, leading its growth and success.

Awards & Honours

Ruma Devi’s contributions have garnered significant recognition:

• Shilpa Abhimani Award (Sri Lankan Government): For promoting handicrafts.
• Honour from Women on Wings, Netherlands (2016).
• Honour at Germany & Singapore Fair (2017): Promoting handcrafted products.
• Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, Textile Ministry of India (2018): For exemplary work in the handicraft sector.
• Nari Shakti Puruskar (2018).
• Featured on the cover of India Today Magazine (2018).
• World CSR Congress (2019): Listed among the 51 most impactful innovators globally.

Favourite Things

Ruma’s personal preferences offer a glimpse into her character:

• Food: Rajasthani Cuisine
• Actor: Amitabh Bachchan
• Music: Rajasthani Folk

Facts

Several interesting facts highlight Ruma Devi’s journey and impact:

• Initially declined an offer to showcase her collection at Lakme Fashion Week due to a lack of confidence.
• Her work has been praised by the British Patchwork and Quilting Magazine and showcased in fashion weeks across London, Germany, Singapore, and Colombo.
• Actor Varun Dhawan purchased her chanderi silk dupattas as gifts.
• Appeared on the Kaun Banega Crorepati show, gifting her artwork to Amitabh Bachchan.
• Aspires to establish a college dedicated to teaching traditional handicrafts.

Product Availability

Products created by Ruma Devi’s group are available online at shop.directcreate.com. This provides a wider audience access to her exquisite handcrafted items.