Ruma Devi
About
From a class 8 dropout to a guest speaker at Harvard University, Ruma Devi’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. A woman of substance, she is an exceptional artisan who has stirred a change in the way the world looks at rural Indian artisans. Hailing from a small village in Rajasthan, Ruma was determined to turn her only skill into her source of income.
Hence in 2006, she began a rather challenging journey to empower herself and others in the women's community by initiating a self-help group in her village. Driven by her aspirations, Ruma sought out Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS) in Barmer in 2008, where she became a member and eventually assumed the role of president for the non-governmental organization in 2010.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to showcase her creations at her first exhibition in Rafi Marg, Delhi, in 2010, followed by a debut fashion show at Rajasthan Heritage Week in 2016.
In appreciation of her inspirational journey, Ruma was invited to the special episode “Karamveer” in Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, which is when she shot to national fame.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
Ruma Devi received the ‘Nari Shakti Puraskar 2018’ which is the highest civilian honour for women in India. She is honored with a Doctorate in the field of art & textiles by Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule University, Jaipur.
She also won the title of ‘TFI Designer of the Year 2019’. Ruma Devi has been associated with a network of around 30,000 rural women whom she has trained and given livelihood.
Why Ruma Devi?
As a torch bearer of women empowerment, Ruma Devi is committed to uplifting women nationally and globally. As a President of the GVCS, Ruma has constantly risen to challenge the male-dominated society, and stereotypes and encouraged the women in her community to do the same. A lady who has learned to weave her dreams through unparalleled dedication and efforts, Ruma promises to craft a better future for women.
