The entrepreneurial spirit of women laborers from Bhadrachalam in Telangana and a women’s group of Karnataka, has emerged as strong examples of women-led development in India. This was clearly evident on Sunday, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared their inspiring stories in his monthly broadcast of ‘Maan ki Baat’
“The mantra of ‘Women-led development’ is ready to create a new future for India. Our mothers, sisters, daughters are today lending a new direction not only for themselves but for the entire society,” Modi said. Highlighting the success story of Bhadrachalam women, he said that they once used to work as labourers in the fields. “Today the same women are making biscuits from millets, ie., Shreeanna. These biscuits, named ‘Bhadradri Millet Magic’, are reaching right from Hyderabad to London,” he said. These women have joined a self-help group and received training. These women have done another commendable work. “They started making ‘Giri Sanitary Pads’. In just three months, they prepared 40,000 pads and delivered them to schools and nearby offices — that too at a very low price,” he said.
The Prime Minister then highlighted the achievement of women in Kalaburgi, Karnataka. “They have made jowar roti a brand. In the cooperative that they have formed, more than three thousand rotis are being made every day. The aroma of these rotis is no longer limited to the village,” he said. A special counter has been opened in Bengaluru. Orders are coming over online food platforms. “Kalaburgi roti is now reaching the kitchens of big cities. This has had a great impact on these women, their income is increasing,” he said.
Shifting the focus to the Northeast, Modi spoke about ‘Ahimsa Silk’ better known as Eri Silk from Meghalaya, which received the GI Tag recently. Eri Silk, considered a cultural heritage in Meghalaya, has been preserved and enriched for generations by the tribals here, especially the Khasi community. This silk has many specialities that makes it different from other fabrics. Its most special feature is the way it is made. “The silkworms that make this silk are not killed to obtain it, hence it is called Ahimsa (Non-Violence) Silk,” he explained.
He highlighted that the demand for such products is rising rapidly in the world, which do not involve violence and do not have any ill effect on nature, hence, Eri Silk is a perfect product for the global market. “Another special feature is that, this silk keeps you warm in winters and cool in summers. This quality makes it suitable for most places,” he said.
Women across Meghalaya are now taking this heritage forward on a larger scale through self-help groups. Congratulating the people of Meghalaya on Eri Silk getting the GI-Tag, Modi also appealed all to try out clothes made from Eri Silk. “You must always remember Khadi, handloom handicraft, Vocal for Local. If customers buy only products made in India and traders sell only products made in India, the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ will be infused with new energy,” he said.