STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Converting the COVID-induced lockdown into an opportunity to earn her livelihood, Assam girl Alismita Saikia of Kaliabor has entered her name in the India Book of Records 2021 by making hand-made jewellery items using bamboo. Saikia made jewellery items for women like earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces.
Talking to The Sentinel, Alismita Saikia said, "Last year (2020) during the COVID-induced lockdown when we were confined to our homes, I decided to start making bamboo jewellery items with innovative ideas. I am happy with this recognition I have got."
She was informed about her entry into the India Book of Records by the authority concerned recently. They have already sent her the certificate.
"I urge the new generation to take up skill-based work by applying innovative ideas. They can use easily-available items to start their work and become self-dependent instead of depending on government jobs. Today I have become self-dependent and I have also managed to give employment to few other people," said Saikia. She appealed to people to improve their economic condition through innovation.
The Master of Commerce (M.Com) degree holder from Kaliabor made her foray into the bamboo and handloom sectors last year. When the majority of youths of the State lost their jobs during the nationwide lockdown in 2020, Alismita set up a loom at her home at Kuwaritol at Letugram Xatra in Kaliabor since she had a dream of weaving her dress. Her father Sushen Saikia used to make bamboo products in their courtyard. She then started making different products from bamboo. Her ideas clicked and she started making earrings for women and various decorative items. Her bamboo products attracted people and she took the initiative to sell the products under the banner of Urmika Handmade Art & Craft (brand name Urmika). After the end of the lockdown in 2020, Alismita participated in an exhibition held in Jorhat. Her products were well appreciated and she had a good sale during the exhibition. Social media also helped Alismita to further popularize her products. The Sentinel had earlier published a detailed story about Alismita Saikia.
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