Shibani from Tripura finds use for broken bangles

The northeast, which has over the years produced many talents, has added another feather to its cap through Shibani Ghosh, a craftsperson from Tripura who uses broken bangles to make beautiful showpieces.

Shibani, a housewife from West Tripura district, who had no formal training, found an innovative way of earning a living by making various decorative items from broken bangles.

Her husband Abhijit helps her and looks after the marketing and procurement of raw materials.

Shibani's venture also provides employment to other women in the locality who are happy to have found an option to add to their family income.

"Through this work I am able to make a living, even while sitting at home. I don't have to go out. I do this work in my free time after finishing household chores," said Mousami Chowdhury, a helper.

These handmade products are in great demand in the local market and people are now keen to learn how to make them. Shibani's products have got good response at exhibitions and fairs held outside the state in Silchar, Guwahati and Lucknow.

Shibani believes that with some financial help from the government she can further expand her work and help more people earn a living.

"I do this work after finishing all my household chores. I believe women can do this in their free time. I want more women to take up the work as profit is good and one can contribute to the family income," said Shibani.

Shibani's success story is a source of inspiration for all women who want to become self-reliant.