THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
MERAMANDALI,
APRIL 9, 2026
In the serene village
of Sanjapada in Hindol block of Dhenkanal district, where palm trees have
flourished for generations, a quiet yet inspiring transformation is unfolding.
Women in the village are turning tradition into opportunity, converting skills
rooted in heritage into pathways of self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
For decades, the
abundant palm leaves in the region remained an underutilised resource despite
their deep cultural significance in Odisha’s legacy. Historically used for
sacred manuscripts, horoscopes, and artistic depictions of epics such as the
Ramayana and Mahabharata, palm leaves are now being reimagined as products of
contemporary relevance, symbolising innovation blended with tradition.
The change began when
Tata Steel Foundation, through its Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship (WEE)
project, introduced a four-month training programme on palm leaf value addition
for 25 women shareholders of the Gruhalaxami Cooperative Society in Sanjapada
Panchayat. The initiative equipped participants with skills to craft marketable
products such as coasters, bookmarks and stitched palm leaf mats, opening new
avenues for income generation and financial independence. During the training
period, each participant earned ₹3,000, marking an important milestone in their journey
towards economic empowerment.
Building on the
momentum created through skill development, the women collectively formed the
Jagannath Producer Group in December 2025 in convergence with Mission Shakti,
Government of Odisha. The collective platform has strengthened their identity
as entrepreneurs while improving access to markets and opportunities for
scaling their enterprise.
Their growing
confidence and craftsmanship were showcased at the Dhenkanal Mahotsav held from
December 20 to 24, 2025, where the group set up a live demonstration stall.
Their innovative approach attracted appreciation from visitors and officials
alike, earning them recognition in the “Innovative Business Idea” category
along with a cash prize of ₹10,000.
Beyond financial
gains, the initiative has brought about a profound shift in mindset. Women who
once identified primarily as homemakers are now emerging as artisans and
entrepreneurs, gaining confidence and recognition within their families and
communities.
Mamta Gadnayak, a
member of the Gruhalaxmi Cooperative Society, said, “This initiative has helped
us realise the value of what we already had around us. We are now more
confident, skilled, and hopeful about building a better future for our families
through our own efforts.”
Another member, Smita
Biswal added, “Being part of this journey has changed my outlook completely.
From learning a new craft to earning my own income, I now feel empowered and
motivated to grow further and support other women in our community.”
Today, the palm
leaves of Sanjapada are no longer just part of the landscape; they have become
symbols of resilience, creativity and new beginnings. With enhanced skills,
rising confidence and increasing market exposure, these women are poised to
scale new heights, demonstrating how even simple, locally available resources
can transform lives when supported by the right guidance and opportunities.
Speaking about the
initiative, Kumar Saurabh, Unit Lead, Tata Steel Foundation, Meramandali, said:
“This initiative reflects our commitment to enabling community-led and
sustainable livelihoods by building on locally available resources and
traditional knowledge. The women of Sanjapada have demonstrated how skill
development, collective effort, and the right support can translate into
meaningful economic opportunities. It is encouraging to see their growing
confidence and entrepreneurial spirit, and we remain committed to supporting
them as they expand their reach and strengthen their livelihoods.”
