Chandigarh, February 22
At the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Anjumanara Begum from West Bengal, has become an example of women’s empowerment. She is fulfilling Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
In 2002, at just 17 years old, Anjumanara participated in a handicrafts exhibition in Patna, where her weaving skills were recognized. Encouraged by this, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and made the khadi fabric business her profession. Today, her handcrafted garments are not only sold in India but also exported to the USA, UK, France, Iran, Iraq, and other countries. She feels proud to showcase her talent at the Surajkund Mela.
In her village, Anjumanara started a small business with 10 women, making and selling women’s clothing, bedsheets, wall hangings, kurtis, jackets, and fabric-based decorative items.
Anjumanara further shared that she took a Rs.10,000 loan from a gramin bank 13 years ago to start embroidery work on tracing paper and fabric frames using needle and thread. She repaid the loan on time and later took a Rs.25,000 loan, followed by another of Rs.50,000 to expand her work. In 2009, she received a major boost when Khadi Gramodyog provided her with a Rs.5 lakh loan, increasing her confidence and helping her grow her business further.
Today, at 41 years old, Anjumanara leads the Dhanalakshmi Self-Help Group, empowering over 450 women in her village and nearby areas by helping them become financially independent.
Bed sheets range from Rs.1,000 to Rs.60,000
Anjumanara makes beautiful bedsheets, priced between Rs.1,000 and Rs.60,000. One of her most popular designs depicts the life of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, which is in high demand. The women in her group also craft cotton and silk sarees, dupattas, kurtis, suits, kurtas, stoles, and blouses. Their finely embroidered sarees and suits are especially loved by customers.
Anjumanara expressed her excitement about visiting Haryana and Mela for the first time. She said that attending the Surajkund Mela has been a wonderful experience, allowing her to learn about diverse cultures from across India.
She extended her gratitude to Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and the state government for organising such a magnificent event, which she said she will always cherish.
