Stitching success: Kalpana Das lights the path for women weavers in Assam
Over time, Kalpana’s growth became visible not just in her own work but also in the way she supported others
Kalpana Das, a handloom weaver from Narengapara in Kamrup, Assam, began her journey with modest means and a simple goal: to support her family by weaving gamusa and selling them in nearby markets. She had no initial capital to invest, and her exposure to design innovation was limited, leaving her confined to traditional patterns that offered little scope for growth. Yet, despite these constraints, Kalpana continued weaving with determination, driven by the hope of securing a steadier income.
Her turning point arrived when she enrolled in the Udyamini project on 13 October 2023. Through the programme, she was introduced to product development training and tools such as the draw-boy, which significantly expanded her technical skills. For the first time, Kalpana explored designs beyond her familiar repertoire, finding new confidence in her craft. As her creativity and capability grew, so did her monthly income, which now stands at Rs. 5000. With a target of reaching Rs. 20000 per month, she is steadily building both her skillset and her enterprise.
Over time, Kalpana’s growth became visible not just in her own work but also in the way she supported others. Her leadership potential flourished, eventually leading her to take on the role of Community Resource Person under the Udyamini programme. In this position, she guides fellow weavers, helping them experiment with new techniques, diversify their products, and understand the importance of quality improvement. Many in her village now look up to her as a dependable mentor who not only shares knowledge but also motivates them to pursue higher aspirations in their own entrepreneurial journeys.
The impact of Kalpana’s work has extended far beyond her household. Her earnings play a key role in supporting her family, while her mentorship has strengthened the livelihoods of several women in Narengapara. The collective progress she has helped initiate has created a ripple effect of confidence and economic participation among local weavers, who now believe that handloom can be a sustainable and empowering source of income. Kalpana hopes to continue upgrading her skills, expand her product line, and further develop a stable handloom enterprise that benefits both her and her community.
Reflecting on her experience, Kalpana says, “Udyamini opened a new path for me. I learned to dream beyond traditional weaving and discovered the confidence to lead others. Today, I want every woman in my village to believe that handloom can give us dignity, strength, and a brighter future.”
Her value chain project manager also acknowledges her journey, noting, “Kalpana embodies quiet but powerful leadership. Her willingness to learn, innovate, and support other weavers makes her a true asset to the value chain. She is not just growing herself but she is lifting an entire community with her.”
Kalpana is one among hundreds of Rural Women Entrepreneurs (RWEs) who will be part of the Rural Udyamita Conference 2025 on 12 December at NEDFi, Guwahati. The conference will provide a platform for women like her to share their journeys, learn from experts, and connect with institutions shaping the future of rural entrepreneurship in India.
The Rural Udyamita Conference 2025 is being organised and hosted by the Council for Social and Digital Development, Digital Empowerment Foundation, North East Development Foundation, and Unifiers Social Ventures. Co-organised by the Udyamini RWEP Collaborative and supported by institutional partners including the United Nations Development Programme and the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission, the event will bring together leaders, practitioners, and grassroots innovators. Discussions will focus on creating an enabling ecosystem for rural women entrepreneurs working across sectors such as agriculture, handloom, horticulture, tea, handicrafts, micro-enterprises, and emerging fields like clean energy.
As Kalpana prepares to attend the conference, her story stands as a testament to what women can achieve when given the right support, tools, and opportunities. Her journey reflects the wider transformation that Udyamini aims to inspire — one woven from resilience, learning, and shared progress.
