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For Malini MG from Wayanad, Kerala, making bamboo handicraft is more than a way of life. It is a way to bring eco-friendly products into the lives of other people. Hence, Malini is excited to be a part of ASSOCHAM’s skills training workshop held this month under the Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Program, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs(MoTA) and ASSOCHAM's Centre of Excellence (CoE)aimed at the inclusive growth of the tribal community. It is a chance for her to learn more new products with increased marketability and environmental impact.

Malini, (39) from Meppadi village of Wayanad learned to make bamboo products 15 years back. “We are tribals and our ancestors made and used such items at home. Even while growing up, I saw eco-friendly products made of bamboo and wood used in our homes,” says Malini.

Hence, it was quite natural for her to make them for her own use and other people's. She, however, learned it from a local artisan Biju, who trained other villagers in the craft as well. Making bamboo handicrafts was a hobby for her till she got married. After marriage, she took her craft for financial reasons. “I wanted to support my husband as well as be financially independent. So, I started making these items,” she says. Malini has two teenage children while her husband works in a company. “I like to earn for myself and this is a good source of income,” she adds.

Malini makes kitchen items like bamboo spoons, spatulas, etc. She sells them at government exhibitions and makes around Rs 5000 per month. No exhibition means no income for her in that month.

Moreover, the attitude of visitors also defines her income at the exhibition. “Bamboo items are pricier than plastic but are eco-friendly. Hope people realize this fact and opt for bamboo,” she says.

She also wants to cater to a larger market. Hence, she jumped at the opportunity to join ASSOCHAM’s Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Program (TEDP)that started on March 1, 2021, and will continue for three weeks.

“We have learned to make bamboo pen stands, egg-holders, and dream catchers at the workshop. I am looking forward to making more innovative, daily use items like these,” she says.

She thinks that this workshop will equip her to earn a steady income every month. “With a wide range of environment-friendly products, I think I will be able to sell more and have a regular income,” she adds.

Malini also looks forward to sharing her knowledge with other women of her village. “We have a women’s unit of 10 members. After the workshop is over, I will go and teach whatever I have learned here. This will benefit all of us,” she concludes.