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Golaghat: In the tranquil village of Borchapori, nestled in Borapathar, Golaghat, women are weaving more than just fabric; they are weaving stories of empowerment, self-reliance, and transformation. Known for its rich handloom tradition, Assam has long seen weaving as an integral part of its culture. In Borchapori, however, this tradition has evolved into a powerful movement of change, driven by the indomitable spirit of the village’s women.
For generations, weaving in Assam has been considered a domestic skill, a cultural expectation for women, symbolizing grace and diligence. However, in Borchapori, this ancient craft has taken on a new meaning. What was once seen as a household chore has transformed into a symbol of empowerment and economic independence. Leading this movement are the women of Borchapori, who have embraced their craft not just as an expression of culture but as a path to financial independence and social change.
One such inspiring story is that of Mohila Saikia, a weaver at the Borchapori Handloom Centre. This center was launched as part of cairn’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program to promote sustainable livelihoods among self-help groups (SHGs) in Borapathar. It has become a beacon of public-private collaboration for community empowerment, with women like Mohila playing a crucial role in its success.
For Mohila, weaving was always part of life. She began her journey as a teenager, learning the intricacies of the loom from her mother and grandmother. But weaving, for her, was more than a familial tradition; it was a way to carve out a new future for herself. “Weaving was not just a task for us; it was a way to shape our destiny,” she reflects. Today, her work is not only sustaining her family but also inspiring the community around her.
Borchapori and the surrounding areas of Hazarigaon, traditionally a Tea Tribal area, had limited access to government resources and benefits under programs such as the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) and the Handloom Department. However, with the intervention of Cairn’s CSR team, the local women’s SHGs were connected to the Government of Assam’s Swanibhar Nari scheme, unlocking new opportunities for these talented weavers.
Under this scheme, registered SHGs are producing over 2,000 gamosas (traditional Assamese cloth) for the Handloom Department at a fixed price of INR 270 per unit. A total of 28 SHGs received an order to produce 56,000 units of gamosa, with a total budget of INR 1.51 crore. Already, 30% of the orders have been delivered, bringing substantial income to the weavers of Borchapori.
The success of this initiative has been transformative for the women of the village. With the introduction of modern weaving looms, including Jacquard machines, their productivity has soared by 30%. “Earlier, it would take us 2-3 days to weave just one gamosa. Now, I can produce 4-5 in a single day,” Mohila proudly shares. The product range has also expanded beyond gamosas to include mekhela chadors, selengs, shawls, and handkerchiefs, broadening the market for the women’s craft.
This initiative is not just about improving livelihoods; it’s about fostering a culture of independence and confidence. Through their work, the women of Borchapori are reshaping their roles in society. Mohila, now a leader in her SHG, speaks on behalf of the 60 SHGs and 600 women who have been impacted by the handloom center. “These interventions have given us a chance to dream bigger and achieve more,” she says. The ripple effect of this empowerment is felt throughout the village, as more women join the movement and transform their lives.
Looking ahead, Cairn plans to expand its Sustainable Livelihood Program by providing three additional weaving looms, further upgrading the existing handloom center, and connecting the SHGs with national and international markets. Discussions are already underway with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), Guwahati, to explore new market linkages that could bring global recognition to the intricate weaves of Borchapori.
The women of Borchapori have not only preserved their cultural heritage but have also woven a brighter future for themselves and their community. Their journey is a testament to the power of collective effort, opportunity, and the strength of women in driving societal progress. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar once said, “The progress of a society is best measured by the progress of its women.” In Borchapori, that progress is evident — in every thread, every loom, and every life transformed.
Borchapori’s weavers are not just creating beautiful fabrics; they are crafting a legacy of empowerment that will inspire generations to come. The village, once limited by tradition, is now at the forefront of a modern movement of change, proving that with the right support and determination, women can lead the way in shaping their destinies.