Government of India
Resma Begum
State : Odisha
District : Kendrapara
Block : Derabish
Village : Golarahat
Self-Help Group : Kalinga Self-Help Group
Livelihood Activities : Embroidery, sewing
Lakhpati Didi Journey
Smt. Resma Begum, a 42-year-old from Golarahat village in Kendrapara district, Odisha, exemplifies how determination and leadership can transform lives of rural women. A matriculate and mother of two, her journey began with training in appliqué and embroidery by the Handicraft Department. This laid the foundation for her rise as a Master Craft Person (MCP) and a champion of rural women’s empowerment. Resma formed the Kalinga Self-Help Group, uniting women skilled in embroidery, and led them to gain recognition from the District Industry Centre. Through collaborations with NRLM and ORMAS, she founded the Utkal Grameen Producer Group, providing a platform for 72 women artisans. With loans totalling Rs. 3 lakh and support from PMEGP, they purchased a six-head embroidery machine, significantly boosting production. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group produced four lakh masks and has since stitched two lakh Tiranga flags annually for the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. Their products, ranging from school uniforms to Khadi jackets, have generated a Rs. 70 lakh annual turnover. Reshma’s personal income has reached Rs. 4.5 lakh per year. Honoured with multiple awards, including the NABARD Award and the Lakhpati Didi Award (2024), Resma’s leadership has empowered women in her community, fostering financial independence and inspiring others to pursue entrepreneurship.
