Ruma Devi’s life is a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Born in a rural village in Rajasthan, she faced strong resistance when she pursued her passion for embroidery and handicrafts. At one point, she was even thrown out of her home for dreaming beyond the traditional roles expected of her.
Instead of giving up, Ruma Devi turned her craft into an opportunity for empowerment. She began training and organizing rural women artisans, helping them earn a livelihood through traditional embroidery and handicrafts. Over time, her initiative grew into a network supporting more than 20,000 women artisans across rural communities.
Her work brought traditional embroidery to national platforms, including showcases at Lakmé Fashion Week, helping rural crafts gain wider recognition.
In 2018, the Government of India honoured Ruma Devi with the Padma Shri for her contribution to handicrafts and women’s empowerment. Her journey shows how determination and skill can transform lives and uplift entire communities.
