Ruma Devi: Stitching Sovereignty from Barmer to the World

Stitching Trailblazer & Community Leader

Embroidery Becomes Empowerment

Born in Rawatsar, Barmer (Rajasthan), Ruma Devi lost her mother at a young age and had to drop out of school by the 8th class. She inherited embroidery skills from her grandmother, which became her lifeline amid social and financial hardships.

From One Sewing Machine to a Sisterhood

In 2006, Ruma convinced 10 women to each contribute ₹100 to purchase a sewing machine for producing cushions and bags. Her relentless efforts led her to join Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS) in 2008; by 2010, she became its president. The organization's reach blossomed - training over 22,000 artisans across 75 villages in Rajasthan’s Thar region. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

From Local Craft to Global Stage

Under Ruma’s leadership, GVCS artisans showcased Rajasthani embroidery at Rajasthan Heritage Week and other national forums. Her designs caught the eye of fashion stalwarts like Anita Dongre, Bibi Russell, and Abraham & Thakore, enabling direct artisan-collaborator ties. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Awards, Honors & Icons

On International Women’s Day 2019, she received the **Nari Shakti Puraskar**, India’s top civilian honor for women. Ruma also appeared as "Karamveer" on the TV show *Kaun Banega Crorepati* and was invited as a speaker at Harvard University's 17th Annual India Conference. In 2020, she was granted an honorary PhD. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Empowering with Purpose

Today, Ruma Devi leads a network of over 30,000 women artisans across more than 150 villages, fostering skill development, health camps, digital literacy, and creative entrepreneurship. Through sustainable fashion, she continues to uplift women and infuse dignity into craft. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}