PANAR VILLAGE, SIRMAUR, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Sumitra Devi comes from one of the most backward districts of India where she got married at the age of 14. After 16 years of her marriage, she lost her husband in a road accident and had to take care of 2 daughters three years and one and a half year old respectively.

Two years later in a road accident she also lost her elder daughter, but even after such personal losses she struggled for a dignified life. She started her sewing and stitching work, due to lack of training her work quality was not too good and she could only make some money from her work. Her father in law discouraged her quoting that this type of work is not done in their caste. But she continued with her work.

She worked late night to earn some extra money and meet their basic needs, when her daughter was in class eight; she started teaching her mother under the National Literacy Mission. That’s how Sumitra became a literate. Thereafter she started writing songs on issues such cleanliness and hygiene, literacy, women empowerment, female feticide, dowry, education, and environment. In 2009 she received rewards from the Prime Minister and President of India.

Soon she became part of the 7 days training at the USHA Silai School which helped her setup her own silai school in the village. Till now she has trained 60 learners. On an average she is able to earn INR 6000 per month from her Silai School. After opening her Silai School, her earning increased through teaching and machine repairing work; she is actively involved with school dress orders which had given her respect in her community.