New Delhi, Oct 8 (NationPress) Transforming her childhood passion for the lotus flower into a significant entrepreneurial venture, Tongbram Bijiyashanti Devi from Manipur has established a successful business that uplifts women in her community.

The dynamic entrepreneur, who originates from Bishenpur district, commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiatives aimed at enhancing women's empowerment and fostering growth in the North-East.

Bijiyashanti, the visionary behind the startup Sanajing Sana Thambal, has ingeniously converted lotus stems into a sustainable source of income for local women.

This initiative, deeply rooted in both innovation and tradition, provides job opportunities to women working from their homes near the scenic Loktak Lake — the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, celebrated for its plentiful lotus plants.

In an interview with IANS, Bijiyashanti shared, "I create garments from lotus. It is our national flower. We cultivate lotus at Loktak Lake, which is a freshwater lake in the northeast. PM Modi acknowledged me during the 'Mann Ki Baat' program in 2020, recognizing our efforts and innovation."

She expressed her appreciation for the Prime Minister's guidance, stating, "It’s wonderful that he is making significant contributions to women's empowerment. He has also undertaken numerous initiatives to fortify our economy and advance our country."

Currently in Delhi for the National Conclave on 'Weaving India Together: Natural Fibres, Innovation, and Livelihoods from the North East and Beyond', Bijiyashanti reflected on how her journey received a massive boost after being featured in PM Modi's monthly radio address, 'Mann Ki Baat', in September 2020.

During this address, the Prime Minister praised her for her innovative approach to producing fiber from lotus stems, calling it a prime example of creativity grounded in India's cultural heritage.

Her connection with the Prime Minister continued in 2023, during the 100th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', where PM Modi personally congratulated her on her expanding business.

"In such a short time, you have built a team of 30 people!" the Prime Minister remarked during their conversation.

In response, Bijiyashanti conveyed her ambition to further grow her workforce, aiming to involve 100 women in her enterprise. She also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for highlighting her innovation on a national platform.

"Everyone now knows about the lotus stem fiber due to the 'Mann Ki Baat' program. I have even secured a market from the US, where they wish to purchase in bulk," she stated, showcasing the international acclaim her startup has garnered.

Bijiyashanti's journey commenced in 2014 when the concept of creating yarn from lotus stems first occurred to her. With a resolve to bring her idea to life, she dedicated nearly four years to research and training before launching Sanajing Sana Thambal in 2018.

Since its inception, her company has carved out a niche in sustainable textiles and has emerged as a beacon of women-led entrepreneurship in the northeast.

This initiative has sparked a ripple effect in her community, inspiring more women to pursue financial independence.

Many of her team members work from home, allowing them to manage family duties while contributing to household income. Bijiyashanti aspires to scale up production and introduce Manipur’s unique lotus fiber to global markets.

Meanwhile, her team members also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reshaping the development landscape of the Northeast.

Gurumem Jiteshwari Devi, one of Bijiyashanti's associates, told IANS, "Development is flourishing in the northeast. Previously, only a few individuals from our community traveled to Delhi, and most were unaware of the opportunities available. But now, under PM Modi’s leadership, every woman and citizen is informed that these opportunities are accessible to all."