INSPIRATION: HANDICRAFTS PROVIDE A FORM OF LIBERATION, A NEW JOURNEY THAT NOW EMPLOYS 180 INDIGENOUS WOMEN



Madhumita Shaw could have given up after being evicted from her in-laws’ home 10 years ago for failing to meet a dowry demand of Rs 1 lakh. She didn’t, but she did learn something new. The 39-year-old now manages an organization that provides jobs to over 200 women in Jharkhand’s tribal areas.

The idea and the journey of her struggle

Madumita began with a tiny handicraft business run by indigenous artists who manufactured decorative and gift items at home.

She used to sell them near the Jamshedpur market on the sidewalk. The demand grew and improved with time. This motivated her to establish Pipal Tree as a non-profit organization in 2016.

Madhumita, who is in charge of the administrative and marketing aspects, says it has been a long and difficult road. “When my marriage fell apart and I returned home, I felt quite uneasy because I had no source of money.” I kept thinking about what I could do for a living since I didn’t want to become a financial burden on my parents.

“I wanted to start something on my own since I have a diploma in retail management and I wanted to give tribal women who don’t have any source of income a chance to earn a living and become self-sufficient,” Madhumita said. “I only had three artisans when I began my journey. Now I’m in charge of 12 stalls.

She Sets an example of women empowerment

Madhumita has set an example of women empowerment as her organisation now employs up to 180 women indigenous artists who earn roughly ‘15,000 per month. Pipal Tree generates annual revenue of more than ’60 lakh.

It has manufacturing facilities in East Singhbhum’s Ghatshila, Potka, and Matladih districts. Pipal Tree also educates females in 16 Kasturba Residential Girls Schools in Jamshedpur and Ramgarh, Jamini Kant BEd Colleges in Ghatshila, and an orphanage in Golmuri, East Singhbhum.

“We gave Madhumita’s NGO a free stage at the International Bamboo Conclave in Dumka because of her dedication.” Mukhyamantri Laghu Kutir Udyam Vikas Board CEO Ajay Kumar Singh remarked, “State government officers are aware of the great job she is doing.

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Dr. Kirti Sisodhia

Content Writer

CATEGORIES Business Agriculture Technology Environment Health Education

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