Bihar, the eastern Indian state known more for its economic backwardness and political volatility, has something to boast as well. It is the success of a group of women, who had banded themselves into an NGO and set out to market the products of the arts and crafts of Bihar and other states.

The returns are modest but the initiative has honed the marketing skills of housewives while boosting their self-confidence. It has also contributed to the family kitty. Unlike other marketing ventures, where individual competitors try to edge out the others, the successful women who have reached the top give a helping hand to the others. It is a market saga with a difference.

Bihar Mahila Udyog Sangh (BMUS), started by Pushpa Chopra, is a registered NGO. It works in the field of employment generation for women and for safeguarding and popularizing the arts and crafts of Bihar and other states. BMUS holds an annual exhibition each September to showcase and sell the products of its members and to popularize women's enterprises.

The BMUS is an organization only on paper. It does not have a formal set up. Chopra believes that a "building does not make an organization, work does". Nevertheless, she wants the state government to give them a space to support the initiative - for instance, a permanent site to market their products along the lines of Delhi's Dilli Haat.

Chopra says it is difficult to find products that are part of Bihar's traditions in the markets of the state. "Some of them, like Madhubani and Mithila paintings, Tikuli and Sujani work, are only available at a few places. The artists and craftspeople are not getting the required exposure and encouragement. The government does not have any programme to save the arts and crafts from a slow death," she observes.

"Whatever we are doing is not enough. The government needs to have a vision for the upliftment of rural artists. Gujarat and Rajasthan are doing better then us because they have a policy to showcase local talent," she points out.

Chopra and the other members are saddened by government apathy, but it does not stop them from doing what they can. Into its 11th year now, the annual exhibition is a big draw. It is getting better every year and the number of participants is also on the rise with entrepreneurs from all over the country taking part. Products from other states like Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand also find a market here.

BMUS members' success stories are heartening. Take, for instance, the story of Kumud Singh. Originally from Jaipur, she lives in Bihar after getting married. Her interest in antiques and regular demands from friends and relatives to bring them Rajasthani products sparked off the idea of starting her own business. What started nine years ago with an investment of a few thousand rupees now fetches her a handsome income.

Mithu Dasgupta was a shy daughter-in-law leading a secluded life but with a yearning to do something different. Undeterred by brickbats when she stepped out of home and began dealing in handloom products from Orissa like sarees and dress material (Bomkai and Sambalpuri), Pipli goods, painting on palm leaves (pata chitra) and filigree work on silver. She is now a confident person and can't stop thanking BMUS for the transformation it brought in her life.

Nandita Naha Biswas transformed a hobby - gardening - into a commercial venture. She opened a small nursery in her home. Encouraged by the response that she got at one of the BMUS exhibitions, she has set up branches in two more places. Her clientele now includes the Reserve Bank of India, Bihar State Co-operative Bank, State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank. Further, she has provided employment to several gardeners.

Another success story is that of Priti Upadhyaya. She deals in some of the traditional handicrafts of Bihar that are on the verge of collapse like Kashida, Katha, Madhubani, Khatva, and appliqu�. She has given employment to more than 100 men and women in need. Her products have been marketed in Delhi, Chennai, Allahabad and Ranchi, besides New York and Singapore.

Some innovative ideas like those of Sruti Singh also received a boost with BMUS. She hit upon the idea of "crime-proof jewellery" at a time when snatching of gold chains on the streets of Patna and other places in the state was common. She produced jewellery made out of thread and other non-precious items. Her crime-proof jewellery became a success at the 2004 BMUS exhibition. The following year, she sold jewellery worth Rs 250,000 (approximately US $5000). Now she is looking for markets away from home.

Though the success is very much of the individuals who have worked hard to attain it, BMUS has helped them by providing a network and an identity. The NGO is not resting on its laurels. It is lobbying with the government to help in technology upgradation of the crafts, along with financial and other incentives.   

January 27, 2007

By arrangement with Women's Feature Service 

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