Sakuntala Das, Darrang, Assam

My name is Sakuntala Das, and I am from Barkumarpara, Punia village, located in the Darrang district of Assam. In our community, we face many challenges that significantly impact our quality of life. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of adequate health facilities, depriving villagers of access to free health checkups and essential medical services. Additionally, the absence of proper communication facilities and poor road conditions further isolate our community, making it challenging to connect with the outside world. Furthermore, many weavers in our village come from impoverished backgrounds and struggle to find opportunities despite their talent. Education is also lacking across various domains, and numerous villagers remain unaware of government schemes that could potentially benefit them. In response to these challenges, I have taken proactive steps to initiate positive change within our community. One significant initiative was conducting a 45-day training program under the central government’s ‘Samarth’ scheme. Through this program, 30 weavers from our village learned various techniques, including operating jacquard machines, enabling them to produce over 200 different product varieties. To support, I provided them with a permanent practice space and regularly supplied them with materials to design and sell their creations. My aim was to instill self-belief and confidence among them while promoting self-sufficiency. Given the predominantly poor and marginalized background of our community, where many depend on daily wage labor, I strive to provide opportunities for learning and engagement in various techniques. I actively introduce them to government schemes and their associated benefits, with the overarching goal of uplifting the community and improving their livelihoods.