Today Aparna Kumari is no longer a maid servant neither a school dropout. At16 years of age, she has found a respectable means of livelihood as a trained handicraft artisan.
“I belong to a very poor family and had to work apart from my mother as maid servant to support our family. Earlier, I had to quit my studies in order to earn more money but now I have got a platform to promote my art and live a dignified life,” says the young girl with a feel of pride.
Few years ago her income as maid was the crucial source of income to run the family of seven that includes her four other siblings. But today things have become better for her. Her creativity in making various colourful and vivid handicraft stuffs has brought her to the mainstream. Several designer handicraft made by Aparna and many other girls like her have been put to display and sale in the ongoing trade fair at the Morabadi Ground.
“Making traditional handicraft items from bamboo is my hobby and I enjoy doing this. I am getting training on a regular basis for this particular art. From past three to four months I am making these handmade products and now I am very happy to promote this on a wide scale and also gets good amount for these designer handicraft products,” Kumari further added.
At present she is managing her studies and also learning the art with the help of two mentors Professor Jaya Shukla and former lieutenant in Indian Army Aashish Kumar, who have helped her in escaping the poverty.
Around 450 girls who come from the downtrodden and weaker section of society are being trained by Jaya Shukla and Aashish Kumar. Every essential items required to make the handicraft is provided by the organization to all the girls. Even the training which is given to all these poor girls is free of cost. The profit earned on sale of these hand made products is given to these girls and further expenses are also managed from the sale of these items.
“The idea to do something for these poor girls came last year when I visited few interior places and villages in Jharkhand. The condition in the interior places is such that the girls do not get even the basic amenities in life,” mentioned Aashish Kumar.
The training is provided to them on the regular basis. Handicraft items are also made from the waste products. The main aim is to give proper platform to these poor girls so that they have an option of better livelihood.
“I provide training to poor girls from various districts like Ormanjhi, Silli, Khunti and others. I approach all these girls through Panchayats and different government schools. Presently we are not receiving any financial assistance from government or any specific organizations. We are managing everything by our own. This type of fair and exhibition give a platform to these poor kids and also boosts their confidence,” said Jaya Shukla.
“Even we do not have any alternate arrangement where we can teach all these girls. Right now I am providing training to them in the coaching institute in lah Kothi,” added Shukla.