Banno started working in Kumbaya in 2001. After four years she quit when she got married and shifted to her in-law’s house in Loharda. But unfortunately, her married life didn’t last long; her husband passed away after being bitten by a mad dog. Left with two children, her in-laws and her own old parents to take care of, she approached Kumbaya again for work after a 6 year’s gap. She shifted back to her parent’s house in Panjaria, which is nearer to the Neemkheda Bhavan, and has been working with us since then. Crisis hit her again when due to the Covid pandemic all local transport stopped, making it impossible for her to come for work. To solve her problem, she took a loan from Kumbaya to buy a scooter which she will repay in instalments every month from her earnings.

 

Gyarsi comes from a small village of Ratatalai. Struck with Polio as a child, she has been denied a lot of rights. However, she fought against her odds and started working in Kumbaya,  people encouraged her and instilled confidence in her. Gyarsi has had to survive the death of her mother and when her sister, who was her major support was married off, she felt quite alone. Gyarsi says Kumbaya has built her confidence, strengthened her and given her self-esteem. She has been working since the last five years. Now with a little help of her brother she comes to Kumbaya in a tricycle fearlessly, without any hesitation.

The most inspiring of the Kumbaya women is Gora, who walks on her hands. She is a tribal woman, does not have legs, and is part of the regular production team at Neemkheda. She is one of the top earners today. She walks on the dirt track from her house in the village to the main road to catch a bus to our centre which is an hour away. The bus conductors and passengers have to lift her up onto the bus and set her down when she has to get off. In the monsoons she has to stay at home as she cannot negotiate the muddy road. Earlier when Kumbaya staff requested her father and brother to come to the centre to collect work for her to do at home, they refused. So, they started delivering work to her house every week so that she continues to earn. 

In 2001, Kamala Bamne undertook Kumbaya’s training as a young girl, traveling to Neemkheda from her village Mirzapur, which was a great distance away. After her marriage, she moved to Bheekupura, right next door. She returned to Kumbaya as a producer, in 2013. She was faced with many challenges in her life but she overcame them with her courage and determination.She is one of the best producers at Neemkheda, known for her hard work and excellent quality. She is recognized as a leader amongst the producers of Neemkheda Bhawan and was selected to be the ‘Adhyaksh’ (President) of the Neemkheda SHG for producers.

Naseem Bi has been very enthusiastic about Ari embroidery, and being a part of the Kumbaya team at Satwas. Over time, she has found an identity independent of her family, with the help of Kumbaya. In Satwas, most women are confined within their homes and are not allowed to seek opportunities for work outside. With the help of Kumbaya, Naseem Bi has found an outlet for her talent, and an opportunity to support her family as well. She dreams of being able to provide the best education possible for her children from her earnings from Kumbaya. Naseem Bi has been a producer with Kumbaya for over 5 years now. In spite of the challenges she may have faced, her positive attitude helps overcome many difficulties.

When Urmila’s father fell ill and her family had to sell off their land, she started coming to Kumbaya for work. Because Urmila’s in-laws worked as tailors, she was able to gain prior experience with stitching through them, but she faced similar issues with the tailoring business in her village. Since joining Kumbaya, Urmila has been working at Kumbaya for 15 years. Because Urmila’s in-laws worked as tailors, she was able to gain prior experience with stitching through them, but she faced similar issues with the tailoring business in her village. Since joining Kumbaya, Like many of the producers, Urmila has gained strength and courage through Kumbaya, and she says she’s open to a lot more challenges. 

Parijat Borah, aged 37, is a mother of two and has been weaving since she was seventeen years old. She is skilled in the art of weaving and North East Network is providing her an opportunity to make weaving her livelihood. Pursuing work as a handloom artisan is important to her, as it keeps her close to her cultural roots, and gives her the freedom to work at her own schedule. She feels empowered by her financial independence, and is proud to be a breadwinner in her family.

Narmada Devi, aged 42 completed her education till Bachelors and is now a practicing weaver and farmer. She lives in Duinombor Raja Pukhuri in the district of Darrang along with her mother and two sisters. She is a single woman who is the sole earner of her family and is earning a good amount while working with North East Network (NEN). She feels brave and strong enough to take care of her family herself. Working with NEN has empowered her and given her the belief that she can stand on her own. She is now able to think confidently and take informed decisions. Her opinions are respected in her family, and her sisters listen to her too.