Just like hundreds of other women, they both got training in braiding Bhimal and Jute fiber several years ago from BGS. However, through their sheer hard work and enterprising skills, they are now independent business women collaborating with 3 other ladies from their family and neighborhood.

Now they are not afraid to rent a truck and procure Bhimal fiber directly from Uttrakhand villagers as demand for their Bhimal Chappals has increased.

Seeing them happy and successful without BGS support was truly inspiring. This is exactly what the Bhartiya Gramotthan Sanstha's founder's dream was: enable rural women to chart their own future.

It is hard to imagine that in just 11 years, Nirmala Devi of Gumaniwala, part of Vaishnavi Self Help Group (SHG), would emerge as a leader in her community providing encouragement, valuable support and part time employment to several women in her financially challenged neighborhood. 

Nirmala Devi, recalled how she was reluctant in the beginning to step out of the house and attend free training provided by BGS to stitch Jute bags. It was a big step towards financial freedom.  BGS's training and unique support to procure and market products was instrumental to boost her confidence. 

She was so proud to mention how she was away from home for 15 days recently to sell her products at a government sponsored exhibition in Delhi.