Nurul Haque/Agartala

The "Saksham" self-help group in Amarpur, Tripura, has set an example of self-reliance by turning disability into a strength. Led by Padma Jamatia, the group began manufacturing earthen lamps and bamboo-ratna products with an investment of Rs 50,000.

This year, the group is making thousands of handmade lamps and supplying them across the state, including Agartala, for Diwali. Fulfilling the Prime Minister's pledge of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Vocal for Local," this group is a living example of the human spirit triumphing over all adversities.

Group Leader Padma Jamatia

Some members of the Group are visually challenged, some cannot speak, others are deaf, and a few are not able to walk properly. Yet, none of them wants to sound helpless and lag behind others.

They work hard to achieve self-reliance. The "Saksham" support group under RD Block of Amarpur, Tripura, has become an example for many physically challenged people to move in a positive direction.

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's's slogan of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Vocal for Local," this support group began its journey with  Rs. 50,000 given by the Tripura Governor's Livelihood Mission.

Led by the group's head, Padma Jamatia, the differently-abled members began making bamboo and rattan products and clay lamps, finding a way to earn a living.

A member of Saksham painting Diwali diyas

Currently, she is creating beautiful handmade clay lamps and displaying them for Diwali. With Diwali in mind, she is making thousands of clay lamps and supplying them throughout the state, including Agartala, the capital of Tripura.

Padma Jamatia, the group leader, said that they are now receiving orders for clay lamps. She works day and night to make them. Even though Padma is blind, group members are creating beautiful designs on the clay lamps. People are naturally drawn to them.

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Ahead of Diwali, the festival of lights, Saksham Self-Help Groups are showing society a new way forward, overcoming life's challenges. The Chief Minister of Tripura has also shared the hardships and successes of the members of this self-help group on social media.