NIFT Grad Rupak Empowers Rural Women with Bamboo Art in Gaya

• Rupak Kumar, NIFT Textile Designing graduate, initiated bamboo art in Bodhgaya, Gaya.
• He creates diverse bamboo products like lamps, baskets, and jewelry boxes, priced ₹50-₹5000.
• Through Bal Jyoti organization, he trains rural women in Barachatti (Naxal-affected area) in bamboo art.
• Thousands of women have achieved self-employment and economic independence over 5 years.
• Rupak chose community upliftment over a high-paying fashion career, selling products locally, to tourists, and in Delhi.

Why It Matters: Rupak Kumar's bamboo art initiative empowers rural women in Gaya, fostering self-employment and economic independence.