A BEACON OF STRENGTH AND EMPOWERMENT
From the sands of Rajasthan to global stages, Ruma Devi’s inspiring journey reflects resilience, courage, and the transformative power of empowerment. An acclaimed Indian social worker and artisan, she has become a symbol of hope for thousands of rural women, breathing new life into traditional crafts while uplifting entire communities.
“INSPIRING WOMEN TO STEP BEYOND RADITIONAL ROLES AND EMBRACE THEIR POTENTIAL”
Born in 1988 in the small village of Rawatsar in Rajasthan’s Barmer district, Ruma Devi’s early life was woven with hardship and struggle. Losing her mother at the tender age of four, she was raised amidst poverty, facing the harsh realities of rural India from a very young age. As societal norms dictated, she was married in her teenage years and soon took on the dual responsibilities of a wife and mother. With no access to formal education beyond class eight, her world initially seemed confined to domestic chores and survival. However, the adversities she faced quietly nurtured her inner strength, perseverance, and creativity, which later became the bedrock of her remarkable journey. Even in her formative years, Ruma’s passion for embroidery and traditional crafts offered her an outlet for self-expression in a world that often muted the voices of rural women.
THE FIRST STEPS TOWARD A NEW DAWN
Ruma Devi’s professional journey began amidst daunting challenges. Armed with basic sewing skills, she began stitching simple garments, pooling resources with ten other women to buy a sewing machine. Their humble beginnings were marked by financial constraints, societal scepticism, and limited market access. However, fate intervened when she came across the Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS), a local NGO working to empower rural communities.
Through GVCS, Ruma received training in design development, quality control, and entrepreneurship. The organisation nurtured her leadership abilities, equipping her with the tools to dream bigger. She was no longer just stitching fabric—she was stitching dreams, hope, and possibilities for hundreds of women who had been trapped by poverty and tradition.
WEAVING DREAMS WITH MANY HANDS
Starting with a small group of artisans, Ruma Devi sparked a grassroots movement that now empowers over 30,000 women across 75 villages in Rajasthan. Travelling village to village, she inspired women to step beyond traditional roles and embrace their potential. Today, they produce hand-embroidered garments, home décor, and accessories that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design. This initiative has not only revived rural artistry but also transformed lives—raising incomes, enabling education, and earning women respect in their communities. Through global exhibitions, their work showcases India’s rich artisanal heritage to the world.
A JOURNEY OF FIRSTS
For Ruma Devi, life unfolded a series of remarkable firsts—from visiting Delhi to showcase her creations at exhibitions to travelling to Germany to represent Indian craftsmanship on international platforms. She pioneered rural women’s empowerment through continuous skill development and entrepreneurial training. Her own creations eventually led her to walk the ramp alongside professional models, wearing the designs she and her team of artisans meticulously crafted—a proud moment that symbolised the triumph of perseverance and self-belief.
RECOGNITIONS THAT MIRROR HER IMPACT
For Ruma Devi’s transformative journey has earned her several prestigious honours, including the Nari Shakti Puraskar—India’s highest civilian award for women—presented by the President for her impact on women’s empowerment and promotion of traditional crafts. Celebrated by cultural bodies, NGOs, and global forums, she is a sought-after speaker on platforms worldwide. Her journey inspires thousands, proving that resilience and vision can amplify even the quietest voices to global heights.
