Converting lockdown into an opportunity to earn livelihood

SUCCESS STORY OF ALISMITA SAIKIA

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Amidst all pervading gloom caused by Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown the story of Alismita Saikia is a silver lining. The Master of Commerce (M.Com) degree holder from Kaliabor is now not only earning her livelihood on her own but also setting an example for the younger generation.

When majority of youths of the State lost their jobs and spent time in frustration during the nation-wide lockdown in 2020, Alismita thought something innovative. She set up a loom at her home at Kuwaritol at Letugram Xatra in Kaliabor since she had a dream of weaving her own dress. Initially she could not operate the loom. So, Alismita's Bormaa (aunty) Anima Bhuyan started teaching her by making video call on her mobile phone. In her loom she weaved gamosa and Mekhela Sador.

When Alismita was weaving in her loom her father Sushen Saikia used to make bamboo made products at their courtyard. Her father used to leave leftover of bamboos at the courtyard. Alismita again started thinking innovative as how to make different products from bamboo leftover. Her ideas clicked and she started making earrings for women and various decorative items. Her bamboo products had attracted people and she took the initiative to sell the products under the banner ofUrmika Handmade Art & Craft (brand name Urmika). After the end of lockdown in 2020 Alismita participated in an exhibition held in Jorhat. Her products were well appreciated and had a good sale during the exhibition.Social media had helped Alismita to further popularize her products.

Today, Alismita is making a livelihood by selling her products. Success has not come to her life so easily. She lost her mother when she Class VI. Since then she has been leading a life of struggle with her father. Being a lone member in the family she has to look after her father. Alismita has done her B.Com from Darrang College, Tezpur and M.Com from Kaliabor College.

"Since my father is alone I had decided not to do any job including those in government departments. I always wanted to do something on my own. Jobs are required to earn livelihoods. But youths should not wait endlessly for jobs only. Everyone has talents in different fields. If they explore their talents and use the same in an innovative manner, they can do something at their own. During the last year's lockdown I instead of passing time in playing games in cell phones, watching television spent time in weaving and making bamboo products. I am thankful to the God my efforts have yielded positive results," Alismita told The Sentinel.

Alismita said every Assamese girl should weave their dresses and consider it a matter of pride. "Weaving is another way to preserve the Assamese culture and heritage," she said.

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