Founder’s Note
In the quiet village of Payranga, nestled in Assam’s Kamrup district, Karina Begum quietly sustained herself by stitching traditional garments. A third-generation artisan, Karina inherited the intricate craft of making mekhela chadors, handwoven textiles that carry the rich cultural legacy of Assam. Despite her artistry, her business was limited in both reach and revenue, primarily serving local buyers.
Things took a remarkable turn when she participated in a workshop under the Udyamini Programme of the Digital Empowerment Foundation, facilitated by SBM Sabrina Ahmed. The session aimed to equip rural women with the digital know-how to harness smartphones and social media for entrepreneurial growth.
Empowered by the knowledge, Karina launched her own Facebook page, showcasing her exquisite handmade creations. With continued support and encouragement from Sabrina, she soon began receiving orders, not only from neighbouring villages but eventually from across Assam.
As her online presence grew, so did her confidence and income, rising from a modest ₹500 to as much as ₹3,000 per month. Today, Karina is not just an artisan but a digital entrepreneur. Her transformation stands as a testament to the power of digital literacy and self-belief, inspiring other rural women in her community to step into the digital world and craft their own success stories.
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