In the world of fashion, where names like Sabyasachi and Dior dominate, there is often a lesser-known force behind the intricate craftsmanship—artisans. Today, we explore the inspiring journey of one such artisan, Ruma Devi, a woman who hails from the small village of Barmer in Rajasthan. Through sheer determination, Ruma has not only brought attention to the work of rural Indian artisans but has also empowered thousands of women to become financially independent.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Platforms

Ruma’s story is a remarkable one, filled with perseverance and grit. Born and raised in Barmer, she faced numerous hardships early on. Losing her mother as a child, she dropped out of school in the 8th grade to help with household chores. By the age of 17, she was married, but she never let go of her passion for traditional crafts, a skill passed down to her by her grandmother.

It wasn’t until a fashion show in Barmer that Ruma's dreams took flight. She was inspired by the visiting designers and expressed her desire to participate, but was met with a dismissive response: "You are supposed to stitch. Fashion designing and participating in a fashion show aren't your forte." This rejection fueled her determination to make a name not only for herself but for countless other artisans who remained unseen.

Crafting a Movement

In 2006, Ruma took her first step towards change. She convinced 10 women from her village to contribute ₹100 each, pooling together funds to buy cloth, threads, and plastic wrappers. They began making embroidered cushions and bags, selling them to local customers. The success of this small venture led Ruma to establish a self-help group, marking the beginning of a movement that would soon reach global heights.

Today, Ruma leads an eponymous label and serves as the President of Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS), an NGO that supports rural artisans. According to the World Economic Forum, she has trained over 22,000 artisans from 75 villages in Rajasthan’s Thar region. Ruma’s designs have graced state and national fashion shows. She has even modeled for handcrafted apparel made by Thar women.

Overcoming Struggles

The path to success was far from easy. Ruma had to fight societal expectations and financial hardships. Stepping out of the house to work was unheard of for women in her village. But Ruma’s resolve was unshakable. "Other than sewing, I knew nothing. I knew I had to work, I had to make a change in how I was living up until then, and the key to that was with me," she recalls.

The breakthrough came when Ruma and her group connected with Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan. With the NGO’s support, they began scaling their operations, recruiting more women artisans and learning the skills necessary to market their products. As more work flowed in, the group expanded, and Ruma’s vision of empowering women through traditional crafts began to take shape.

Transcending Borders

Ruma’s impact extends far beyond the borders of Rajasthan. In 2020, she was invited to speak at Harvard University for the 17th annual India Conference—a moment of pride for the artisan-turned-entrepreneur. "It still feels surreal," she says of her Harvard experience. "Talking about my journey in front of such a large audience made me feel accomplished. I felt immense pride in the work that I do."

In 2018, she was honored with the Nari Shakti Award, India’s highest civilian award for women, presented by the President of India.

Under Ruma’s leadership, her initiative now supports 30,000 women in 150 villages across Rajasthan. These women, many of whom were once confined to their homes, are now financially independent and creatively empowered, thanks to the platform Ruma has built.

Her success has also revived interest in traditional Indian crafts, particularly the unique embroidery and patchwork styles of Barmer. Ruma has worked with renowned designers like Anita Dongre, Bibi Russell, and Abraham & Thakore, collaborating to promote sustainable, handcrafted fashion. Her designs have been showcased in fashion events in Germany, Singapore, and London, alongside appearances at Rajasthan Heritage Week and other prestigious platforms.

As she looks back on her journey, Ruma reflects on the early days of struggle. "Nobody believed that I could be successful one day, but my dedication towards my work proved that the sky is the limit," she says. 

Ruma Devi’s legacy continues to grow, as she receives invitations from around the world to share her story and showcase her work. Through her work, Ruma not only keeps traditional crafts alive but also empowers future generations of women artisans to dream bigger, bolder, and beyond borders.

This Navratri, we celebrate brilliant, intelligent, and impactful women like Ruma Devi, who have woven resilience, tradition, and empowerment into the fabric of countless lives, inspiring a generation to dream and achieve.