From Stitches to Success: How Bhima Devi Sewed Her Way to Independence
In the heart of Sundarnagar, a quiet transformation is unfolding. Women across the town are turning threads of opportunity into tapestries of self-reliance by joining self-help groups. At the center of one such story is Bhima Devi, whose skilled hands and newfound confidence have redefined her family’s future.
A Stitch in Time
Life wasn’t always easy for Bhima Devi. She relied on small sewing jobs, but work was inconsistent and income was tight. Everything changed when she joined the Radhe Mukund Self Help Group under the National Urban Livelihood Mission.
“The group became my foundation,” Bhima Devi shares with a warm smile. It started with a revolving fund of ₹10,000, which gave them the initial push. Later, the group secured a loan of ₹8 lakhs. With her share, Bhima Devi upgraded her sewing machine and tools, turning her humble craft into a thriving business.
Threads of Prosperity
Today, Bhima Devi earns between ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 a month—a figure she once thought was beyond reach. “I can support my family properly now, and it feels incredible,” she says. But her success doesn’t end there. She’s also training young girls in sewing, helping them step toward their own dreams of self-employment.
The group’s journey reflects collective growth. Starting with monthly savings of ₹500 per member, they’ve now doubled it to ₹1,000. Their combined savings have crossed ₹2 lakhs, weaving a stronger safety net for every woman involved.
“For any woman who wants to stand on her own feet, a self-help group is a powerful first step,” Bhima Devi affirms. She gratefully acknowledges the government schemes that made this leap possible, adding, “These initiatives aren’t just about money—they’re about making us independent.”
A Community in Bloom
Bhima Devi’s story is one of many. In Sundarnagar alone, 114 self-help groups have been formed since 2016, receiving government support of around ₹3.5 crores. Of these, 41 groups have been linked with credit, and 111 individuals have accessed loans at affordable rates.
Lalit Kumar, Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, observes, “Women are not just beneficiaries—they are becoming entrepreneurs. They’re building small businesses, strengthening their finances, and gaining immense self-confidence.” He adds that this grassroots movement is vital to realizing the vision of a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh.
In Sundarnagar, every stitch tells a story of change, and every self-help group is a testament to what women can achieve when they come together, support one another, and dare to dream bigger.
