timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The water hyacinth, often labelled as an oxygen thief and invasive troublemaker in the Northeast, has metamorphosed into a saviour for rural artisans, particularly women. Akokla, at 27, has discovered confidence in her craft. Her nimble fingers weave tales of empowerment as she transforms water hyacinth stems into a captivating array of products – elegant bags to enchanting lamps – each telling a story of resilience. At Indian International Trade Fair’s Saral Mela, over 165 stalls are manned by 330 – odd dynamic women entrepreneurs across all states and UTs who have harnessed local resources to lift rural women through self-help groups (SHGs). Read more