In Jhalawar’s Asnawar village, Sushila Devi turns old newspapers into stylish laptop bags using natural dyes. From widow with five kids to leader of 50-women group, her eco-venture earns Rs 5-6 lakh monthly, shipping to America.
Sushila Devi in Asnawar village, Jhalawar, Rajasthan, weaves discarded newspapers into eco-friendly bags with natural dyes like turmeric and indigo.
Widowed 17 years ago with five children and no savings, she now heads the Jhalrapatan Self Help Group, employing over 50 rural women. Products sell for Rs 50-2,500 at fairs like Amrita Haat in Bharatpur, with daily sales of Rs 10,000-20,000 and monthly orders up to Rs 5-6 lakh, reaching the US.
Local officials hail it as a waste-to-wealth model for rural jobs and sustainability. Recent December 2025 reports show viral social media buzz boosting demand.
From Personal Loss to Bold Innovation
Sushila’s story started with grief. Seventeen years back, she lost her husband. Left alone with five children, she had no savings. She learned weaving, sewing, and block printing to survive.
Then came her big idea. She cut old newspapers into strips. Wove them on a handloom. Coloured them with natural dyes from turmeric, indigo, and marigold. The result? Sturdy laptop bags, tote bags, pouches, and shagun envelopes. These items look stylish yet last long.
She started small. Used personal savings and a modest bank loan. Now, her unit thrives. Recent coverage praises her grit. “Sushila turned waste into wealth,” notes a district report.
Products shine at local fairs. At Amrita Haat in Bharatpur, crowds flock to her stall. Prices range from Rs 50 for small pouches to Rs 2,500 for premium laptop bags. Daily sales hit Rs 10,000 to 20,000. Monthly orders touch Rs 5-6 lakh. Shipments go as far as America.
Social media reels from early December 2025 have gone viral. Instagram posts highlight her journey. They show women artisans at work. Demand surges from cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Even abroad, buyers seek her unique paper fabric.
Building a Sisterhood of Artisans
The Jhalrapatan Self Help Group forms the heart of this venture. It now supports over 50 rural women. Many faced hardship like Sushila. They gain skills in weaving and printing. Steady income follows. This fights poverty in Rajasthan’s villages. Women once idle now earn.
They support families. Kids go to school. A local official shared recently, “Sushila’s model uplifts communities. It promotes green jobs.” Her work cuts waste too. Old newspapers no longer pile up. They become valuable goods. This aids the environment. Less plastic bags mean cleaner lands.
Training happens hands-on. Sushila teaches dye mixing. Artisans learn strip cutting. They master loom work. Group meetings build confidence. Savings schemes help too. Bank loans flow easier now. Government schemes like rural livelihood missions nod to such efforts.
In Jhalawar, her unit stands as a beacon. December 2025 stories call it a “buzz abroad.” ETV Bharat videos show her products in action. Facebook clips draw thousands of views. This exposure brings more orders.
Eco-Innovation Meets Market Demand
Sushila’s bags stand out. They resist water. Carry heavy loads. Look modern with block prints. Buyers love the story behind them. Fairs like Amrita Haat sell out fast. Online platforms join in. WhatsApp groups handle bulk deals. Exports to the US started small. Now, they grow.
A News18 report from December 3, 2025, details the foreign buzz. “Paper fabric bags create jobs for 50 women,” it states. Turmeric gives yellow hues. Indigo offers blue depths. Marigold adds orange warmth. No chemicals harm the earth.
Challenges persist. Raw material supply needs care. Skill gaps close slowly. Yet, Sushila pushes on. She eyes bigger markets. Plans for more dyes. District authorities back her.
They see it as self-reliance in action. Aligns with national green goals. Waste recycling drops pollution. Women’s pay rises harmony in homes.
Challenges and Future Horizons
Rural life tests grit. Monsoons delay fairs. Transport costs bite. Sushila counters with planning. She links with NGOs. Seeks skill grants. Group rotates leadership roles. This builds ownership. Recent updates show expansion. New designs for 2026. Backpacks join the line.
Officials promise aid. “Such ventures need scale,” one said. Viral reels fuel hope. Instagram from December 5 amplifies voices. Women artisans smile in frames. Their pride shines.
Growth brings duty. Sushila trains youth now. Passes the torch. Village sees change. More women join crafts. Less migration to cities. Economy stirs local. This ripple aids Jhalawar. Broader Rajasthan too.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sushila Devi weaves more than bags. She crafts hope, dignity, and green futures. Her path from despair to enterprise mirrors India’s resilient spirit.
It champions empathy for the marginalised. Turns waste to wealth. Empowers women quietly. Aligns with peace through shared progress. Kindness fuels her group.
Harmony blooms in villages. Such tales spur dialogue on sustainability. They call for coexistence with nature. Positive change starts small. Yet scales big.
