Success story of reaching the digital platform from the village doorstep by adopting self-employment.
Block Program Manager, Siwani, Jagbir Singh Verma, stated that the primary objective of the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission, run by the Ministry of Rural Development of the Government of India and the Government of Haryana, is to provide self-employment opportunities to poor families living in rural areas, especially women, by connecting them with self-help groups. 402 women’s self-help groups have been formed in the Siwani block, with approximately 4,000 women associated with them. Through these groups, women are receiving training, financial assistance, and the benefits of government schemes, making them self-reliant. Over the past eight years, the living standards of many women have improved and women’s empowerment has been promoted. The women in the self-help groups have created their own brand, “UrbanikIndia,” whose products can now be purchased online.
The land of Haryana is rich in a precious heritage of tradition, hard work, and skill. Its villages are not limited to agriculture, but are also vibrant symbols of handicrafts and traditional skills. Kanta Devi, an artisan from Barwa village in the Siwani area of Bhiwani district, has taken this tradition to new heights through her hard work and confidence. Today, her handmade shoes are a hot spot for customers at the Saras Livelihood Fair in Gurugram. This success is not just one woman’s achievement, but an inspiring story of rural self-reliance, women’s empowerment, and the renaissance of traditional art.
Kanta Devi’s life is an example of struggle, dedication, and determination. She was married into a family where the craft of shoemaking had been passed down for generations. Her father-in-law, Bhana Ram, was involved in this traditional work, and her husband also played an active role. After marriage, Kanta Devi no longer viewed this craft as merely a tradition but instead embraced it as a means of self-reliance and identity. She decided to pursue this work and devoted herself to it with full dedication.
Initially, Kanta Devi made and sold shoes in her village. She faced many challenges, including limited resources, a small market, and low income. But she never gave up. Her husband supported her fully and built a strong business by managing the shop in the village. This family support became the biggest force behind her success. Gradually, she honed her skills and began incorporating modern designs alongside traditional ones.
Nearly ten years ago, Kanta Devi formed the Laxmibai Women’s Self-Help Group. Through this group, she involved other women in the village in this work. This initiative not only provided employment but also became a strong example of women’s empowerment. By joining this group, women gained economic independence and positively transformed their lives. Today, this group has become a source of sustainable income for many women.
Over time, Kanta Devi established her own brand, “Abhinik India,” to give her products a new identity. This move proved crucial in expanding her business. Through this brand, her shoes began to expand beyond the local market into larger cities and national fairs. Her son took over online sales, expanding her products to digital platforms. Today, she has a collection of over 100 designs, a beautiful blend of traditional art and modern fashion.
Their shoes range in price from ₹350 to ₹1,000, and their monthly turnover has reached nearly ₹300,000. This achievement is proof that if rural products are given the right platform and opportunity, they can become extremely economically successful. This success is not just a story of economic achievement, but also of self-confidence and respect.
The National Rural Livelihood Mission played a significant role in this achievement. This mission provides training, guidance, and markets to rural women. It was through this platform that Kanta Devi was able to showcase her products at the Saras Mela. The Saras Mela is an important platform for rural artisans, allowing them to showcase their skills on a large scale.
Coming from a small village in Bhiwani district to reach the national level wasn’t easy. Years of hard work, family support, and self-confidence were the key. Started by her father-in-law, Bhana Ram, Kanta Devi and her husband have taken this traditional art form forward and given it a modern identity. It’s a prime example of tradition and innovation.
The social impact of this success is also significant. When women become financially independent, their self-confidence increases and their respect in society grows. They become more active in family decisions and contribute to a better future for their children. Kanta Devi’s success has inspired other women in the village to use their skills to become self-reliant.
This success also plays a vital role in strengthening the rural economy. When employment is available in villages, the need for people to migrate to cities is reduced. This brings stability and prosperity to rural communities. This is an important step towards the goal of a self-reliant India.
States like Haryana have immense potential for traditional handicrafts. All that is needed is proper training, financial support, and market access for these artisans. If the government and social organizations work together, rural handicrafts can make their mark not only nationally but also internationally.
Kanta Devi’s journey teaches us that success doesn’t require vast resources, but rather strong determination and persistent effort. She proved that if one believes in one’s skills and works hard, one can overcome any obstacle.
Today, Kanta Devi is not just an artisan, but an inspiration. She has demonstrated that traditional art is not just a legacy of the past, but also a foundation for future possibilities. This journey, which began with the support of her husband and father-in-law, has now become a national landmark.
Ultimately, the success of the Barwa village shoemakers is not just an achievement of one family, but of the entire community. This story gives us confidence that if rural talent is given the right platform and recognition, it can not only bring economic prosperity but also strengthen the country’s cultural identity. Kanta Devi’s journey towards realizing the dream of a self-reliant India is an inspiring example that will continue to inspire generations to take pride in their skills and advance them.
