Northeast India, a silent revolution is blooming led by women who are turning age-old traditions into engines of empowerment. Jayanti Rabha, 56, from Kamrup Rural, once buried her dreams under domestic chores. A law graduate with a passion for plants, her life transformed through the Pradhan Mantri Van DhanYojana (PMVDY). With training and a small plot, she built a flourishing nursery, earning up to ₹5,000 a day. “Every flower carries a story of struggle, hope and triumph,” she shares.
In Udalguri’sBhergaon, Merina Lahari revived the dying art of Eri weaving. With support from TRIFED, KVK, and the Central Sector Scheme for FPOs, she founded Jugami Farmer Producer Company Ltd., empowering over 300 women. Her creations have reached DilliHaat and won national acclaim. In Lakhimpur, Junali Hazarika’s Toss Muga weaves now fetch up to ₹65,000 a month , thanks to PMVDY, PMEGP, and NRLM. “I never imagined weaving could be my future,” she says.
Nagaland’s Yangerla Jamir has unified tribal artisans through her NGO under the SFURTI scheme, showcasing their work at Surajkund Mela and IITF Delhi. These women, supported by TRIFED and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), are not just preserving culture; they’re shaping a new narrative of resilience and self-reliance.
