TV
Sabita Jena, a woman of Bhogarai in Balasore district of Odisha has become self-reliant over the past three years by making and selling handcrafted items made from seashells.
Crafts Without Training, Sales Through Local Shop
Without any formal training, she crafts a variety of decorative items—including censers, toys, and vibrant idols of deities—at home after completing her household chores. These handmade products are then sold through her husband’s shop, helping support the family’s income.
Sabita shared her story, saying, “I’ve been creating these seashell crafts for nearly three years, though I have no formal training. My husband used to bring raw materials from Digha, which inspired me to start making these items. I’ve crafted a variety of products like censers, hair clips, and idols of gods and goddesses, which we sell through my husband’s shop.”
Family Support and Skill Building at Home
Sabita’s efforts are supported by her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, with whom she collaborates to prepare the items. Despite having no formal guidance, she has developed her skills by observing and practising, often using online videos for reference. Together, the women use their spare time productively to make a wide variety of items from seashells.
Durgabati Jena, her sister-in-law, said, “I have been making dolls, hair clips, tiny statues of animals. We make these crafts during our leisure time for over a year.”
Growing Market Interest Beyond Local Areas
Currently, the items are sold in nearby markets, and buyers from parts of West Bengal have also shown interest. As the products gain more exposure, there is potential for increased demand and wider reach.
Scope for Institutional Support and Expansion
Her father-in-law, Basant Jena, said, “They buy the raw materials from Digha and design the crafts in the evening hours after finishing their house chores. They are selling these in nearby markets as well to support their families.”
Stalin Nayak, the local BPM, said, “She was not professionally trained but learnt everything watching online videos which is a highly commendable job. Her work is really good and if she wishes we will definitely provide her training through the government’s RCT programme and then arrange for selling through Pallishree mela.”
