Dropout to Harvard: Ruma Devi’s Journey

Ruma Devi’s remarkable journey is truly inspiring. Hailing from Barmer, Rajasthan, she faced adversity from a young age, losing her mother and experiencing family challenges. Despite her limited education, she learned sewing and embroidery skills from her grandmother. Married off at 17, she discovered her talent remained underutilized as she made her own clothes at home.

However, Ruma Devi’s determination to help her family led to a turning point. After the loss of her newborn child, she convinced her in-laws and other village women to join her in sewing and embroidery work. Overcoming societal norms that discouraged women from working outside, Ruma and her group acquired a second-hand sewing machine and began their journey.

Through hard work and skill-sharing, their small venture flourished. Ruma Devi’s journey and dedication expanded her network, eventually providing employment opportunities for more than 30,000 rural women. Collaborating with organizations like Rural Development and Chetna Sansthan boosted her efforts. Her achievements caught the attention of Harvard University, where she was invited to speak about her journey at a conference.

Ruma Devi’s impact isn’t limited to India; she has traveled to various countries and received accolades such as the Nari Shakti Puraskar 2018, India’s highest civilian honor for women. Her story serves as a powerful testament to determination, skill, and the potential to create positive change, regardless of one’s background or challenges.
Re-reported from the article originally published in News18