Bimola Devi, a dynamic entrepreneur from Manipur transformed lives of many

IMPHAL - 46-year-old H Bimola Devi is not just another successful entrepreneur but also someone who has transformed the lives of more than 500 underprivileged people by training them to acquire skills and become financially independent in Manipur.

In 2006-2007, she started a venture Bimola Devi Wool Knitting Cum Embroidery with a loan of three lakhs rupees from banks under the Rural Industrial Consultancy Services (REGP) scheme of Khadi and Village Industries Commission.

Bimola, who comes from a very poor family, learnt hand embroidery from her parents. She began working at a very early age, to support her family. Today she employs more than 70 artisans and her unit did business worth more than one million Rs. in 2010.

She also heads the Ideal Handicraft Development Co-Operation Society in Samurou, which conducts training programs for improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged and women.

“It is not a kind of work that I can do alone. I have to take the support of my friends, family and students. I can now make many products from my embroidery work,’ she said.

“Earlier my work was recognized only in the state but now it has been recognized all over the country. This has given me a lot of encouragement,” she added.

Bimola who has been in this profession for the last 23 years was also honoured with a national award in 2010 for her services to the society. She also received the State award in 2004-05.

Workers, who are under her, said we don’t work under pressure and enjoying our work by learning so many new things.

“I am working and picking up a skill at the same time while working here. We don’t work under pressure. We even watch TV while we work. I am happy working here,’ said Mikas.

Bimola Devi is a source of inspiration for many. (ANI)