The Bamboo Artisan Who Wove Dreams: Ashaben’s Journey of Transformation

The Bamboo Artisan Who Wove Dreams: Ashaben’s Journey of Transformation

In the heart of Dahod, one of Gujarat's Aspirational Districts lies the village of Ranapur, For generations, bamboo weaving has been an integral part of daily life, passed down through generations with pride and purpose. Among the many hands that keep this tradition alive are those of Ashaben Pithaya, a woman whose life story is as intricately woven as the bamboo baskets she creates for her livelihood. For over 30 years, Ashaben dedicated herself to her art, but her journey has been one of adversities, perseverance, and, transformation. Ashaben grew up in a family of bamboo artisans in Ranapur, where her father’s sudden death brought financial hardships. To support the family, she and her siblings had to leave school and assist their mother in weaving bamboo. Through these challenges, Ashaben not only learned the art of bamboo craft from her mother but also developed resilience and a deep commitment to preserving their legacy from three generations.

At 18 years of age, after her marriage, Ashaben left her childhood home and moved to a new village to begin her life with her husband, Jayantibhai.

In this new chapter, she found herself in another artisan family where bamboo as an art work was not just a livelihood but a cherished tradition. With her husband’s constant support, she refined her skills and started experimenting with new designs, keeping the family’s legacy alive while adapting to changing times their income depended on market demands, offering little stability, and the growing competition from machine-made products further threatened their livelihood for survival.

The Spark of Change

When Ashaben heard about the nasscom foundation Digital Upskilling Program through the outreach channel, she knew this was her chance to expand her perspectives about the business. She had never touched a smartphone, never explored the vast world of social media, and had no idea on how digital tools could amplify her work. Yet, there was a potential within her—an aspiration to learn, grow, and bring her craft into the modern world.

“I want to know how to do something new. If technology can help, I want to learn it,” she said

Initially, Ashaben was apprehensive about using a smartphone. She lacked familiarity with technology and feared making mistakes, especially when it came to digital payments. However, the training sessions, delivered in a culturally sensitive manner, gave her the confidence to overcome these fears. Ashaben’s training journey began with understanding the fundamentals of digital technology, including using apps like Pinterest for design inspiration. For the first time, she was exposed to contemporary trends that she could incorporate into her traditional bamboo designs.

One of her most empowering moments came when she learned to use QR codes for payments. Initially, the idea of digital transactions was not her comfort zone, but today, Ashaben proudly uses her QR code, enabling cashless transactions and making her business more accessible to urban buyers.

From Artisan to Entrepreneur

Ashaben’s journey of transformation unfolded step by step. A turning point came when she displayed her work at an exhibition in Bhuj, Gujarat. For the first time, she directly interacted with buyers who admired her craft, giving her a sense of pride and motivation to expand her reach.

Ashaben began diversifying her product line. She expanded from traditional bamboo baskets and brooms to elegant home décor items. Her work, once limited to weekly village markets, started reaching new audiences. The knowledge of financial literacy she gained from the program enabled her to manage resources better, and her family’s income saw a steady rise.

Her entrepreneurial journey also became a source of inspiration on multiple platforms. She shared her expertise in bamboo and toy-making through training sessions at Parul University, Vadodara, IIT Mumbai, the Regional Institute of Education in Bhopal, and Navodaya Schools. By leading the students in these forums, she not only disseminated her traditional knowledge but also became a guiding light for future craft based innovation.

The Bamboo Artisan Who Wove Dreams: Ashaben’s Journey of Transformation

Ashaben’s success also impacted her family positively. Her husband, Jayantibhai, supported her throughout, challenging societal stereotypes and caste-based prejudices. Together, they demonstrated the strength of family teamwork in building a successful venture. Ashaben further extended her leadership by guiding her own family members, taking charge of stock development, and efficiently managing orders.

Today, Ashaben is a financially independent entrepreneur earning INR 30,000 monthly by selling her products across multiple platforms. Her inspiring journey reflects resilience, innovation, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for herself and others.

A Role Model for Change

Today, Ashaben is not just an artisan—she is a leader and an inspiration in her community. She encourages other women to embrace technology and step out of their comfort zones. Her journey has inspired younger artisans to continue their craft while adapting to the needs of the modern market.

“We have always worked hard, but now I know how to make our hard work visible to the world,” she shares, her eyes lighting up with pride”

Her work has earned her recognition from prestigious institutions like NID and IIT, and she dreams of building an online platform to sell her products, ensuring her craft reaches a global audience.

In her own words, “Bamboo has always been a part of my life, but now it’s more than just a livelihood. It is a way to show the world who we are and what we can do.

Case Story Compiled by Saksham Jha- Women Entrepreneurship Program

Connect with Us