An Enriching Summers Learning Experience At BRLPS (Jeevika), Bihar

My happiness knew no bounds when I saw my name among the 14 shortlisted students from various colleges across India selected to intern with Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotions Society (Jeevika), Bihar. The journey started on April 8, 2019. I was excited for the upcoming two months. With fervour and excitement running down my spine I stepped into BRLPS Office, Patna.

I was assigned to do impact assessment and analysis of Jaipur Rugs Foundation Project running in three blocks (Bankey Bazar, Imamganj and Dumariya) of Gaya District. BRLPS in association with JRF was an initiative to reach out to underserved areas to empower women to develop their skills and capacity and provide them with a sustainable livelihood. It was a social innovation, promoting the cause of artisans engaged in the age-old tradition of hand-weaving, a practice embarking on the verge of near extinction, by providing them job opportunities resulting in socio-economic development.

Addressing the creative potential of the artisan community and including marginalized women in the carpet value chain, BRLPS and JRF is providing prerogative to live and work with dignity to women tucked inside remote areas and corners.

Never did I imagine that working and travelling in the scorching sun with temperature as high as 48 degrees will give me memories to be treasured for a lifetime. The time spent working on this project for two months was emotional, and words fall short to describe it. It will always stay close to my heart working with SHG women coming out of the pushing boundaries of society to earn their living. Their responsiveness, zeal and dedication towards work was immense and undoubtedly an inspiration for many. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to BRLPS (Jeevika) for imparting me with an opportunity to work at the grass-root level!

Much love, power and appreciation to these women!

Daivakari Kapoor
Xavier School of Rural Management (Batch 2018-20)