Ruma Devi, a renowned social activist and Harvard speaker, is an inspiring force who has dedicated her life to uplifting women in rural India through traditional handicrafts and self-sustained livelihoods. Hailing from the remote villages of Rajasthan, she has transformed the lives of over 30,000 rural women artisans, earning both national and international recognition for her work in empowering marginalized communities.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings:

Born in Barmer, a desert district in Rajasthan, Ruma Devi’s journey began in a deeply traditional and patriarchal society. Coming from a poor family, her childhood was marked by struggles. Ruma was just 12 years old when she lost her mother, and her responsibilities increased as she took on the care of her younger siblings. Married at the age of 17, Ruma continued to face financial hardships and limited opportunities in her new home, as was the case for many women in her village.

Ruma Devi’s background gave her firsthand experience of the challenges that rural women face—lack of education, financial independence, and societal restrictions. However, her strong resolve and visionary spirit pushed her to look for ways to change her situation, not just for herself but for the women in her community.

The Turning Point: A Journey to Empowerment

In 2006, with minimal formal education and no access to modern technology, Ruma gathered a group of 10 women from her village and began working on traditional embroidery. The women pooled their savings of just ₹100 each to buy the raw materials needed for their craft. Ruma, aware of the talent and skills possessed by rural women, saw potential in the handcrafted products made by them. She realized that through handicrafts, women could gain financial independence and improve their living conditions.

Her work soon attracted attention, and Ruma Devi became a part of the Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS), an NGO that promotes rural development and the welfare of artisans. Over time, she organized more women, trained them in modern designs, and ensured that their products reached larger markets. Her efforts have revived traditional Rajasthani crafts, such as appliqué and embroidery, giving them new life in contemporary markets both in India and abroad.

Recognition and International Acclaim:

Ruma Devi’s achievements were not confined to her village. Her work began to garner national and international attention for the impact she was creating. In 2019, she was invited to speak at Harvard University, where she shared her remarkable journey from a rural woman with no formal education to a global leader in women’s empowerment. Her story resonated deeply with audiences, and she became a role model for those working towards social change.

In addition to her Harvard appearance, Ruma has been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Nari Shakti Puraskar—the highest civilian honor for women in India—awarded by the President of India. Her work has been widely recognized as a model for sustainable development, with rural women as key contributors to economic growth through traditional crafts.

Advocacy for Rural Women:

Beyond her work with handicrafts, Ruma Devi is an active advocate for the rights of rural women. She speaks passionately about the importance of financial independence, education, and healthcare access for women in rural India. Through her initiatives, she has provided a platform for thousands of women to break free from poverty, gain self-respect, and contribute to their families’ income.

Her vision goes beyond financial empowerment—she also focuses on building self-confidence and leadership skills in the women she works with. Ruma has helped transform villages where women were once confined to household chores, creating a new generation of artisans who are not only skilled but also assertive and independent.

Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope

Ruma Devi’s journey from a small village in Rajasthan to the global stage of Harvard University is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the will to bring about social change. She has become a beacon of hope for countless women, showing them that no matter how humble their beginnings, they can achieve great things.

According to vamaindia.in, through her tireless efforts, Ruma continues to inspire and uplift communities, proving that true leadership is about serving others and enabling them to realize their potential. As a social activist, she has changed the face of rural development and women’s empowerment in India, creating ripples that will be felt for generations to come.