45+ years of experience, mentor, and quality expert. : Art Form: Madhubani Painting
Narmada didi is the head of our most experienced Madhubani producer group, JEEVIKA. She says, "It has been 45 years and I still love what I do. Madhubani paintings have been a part of my life since childhood." Narmada didi now takes pride in training and mentoring young artisans in her group to make them financially independent.
At Jeevika, she not only helps drive our creative design but also takes it upon herself to conduct strict quality control so that all of our products are premium quality for our customers.

A founding member who overcame social barriers to empower women. : A Madhubani artisan for over 26 years, Sudha Devi was one of the founding members of the JEEVIKA producer groups. Didi recalls, "In the beginning, it was so difficult to convince women to join the group. The males of the village would oppose and obstruct the group meetings." Her courage and determination have helped the group come a long way since. Sudha didi recognizes the harm machine-made replicas cause to traditional arts and encourages customers to identify and value authentic handmade art.

Passionate artisan ensuring fair work for all group members. : It has been over 15 years since Neetu didi first learned the Sikki grass craft from her mother-in-law, which in no time became her passion. Neetu didi is proud of the financial and social independence that association with JEEVIKA brings. "Every group member should get sufficient work.", says Neetu didi who is determined to ensure every artisan in her group is able to earn enough to sustain themselves and their families.

Dedicated to training more women in traditional crafts. : While being introduced to the art form from an early age through her mother and later her mother-in-law, Renu didi only took up Sujni embroidery formally after receiving a training organized by JEEViKA. Didi's years of experience reflect in her confidence and clarity of her thoughts as she remarks, "There are many women in the nearby villages who are interested to learn the Sujni art. I hope to encourage and train more women to pursue the art form and become financially independent.

Practicing Madhubani paintings for over forty years, Vimla didi is one of the most experienced hands of JEEVIKA, and her masterfully crafted products feature throughout our collections.

An inspiration and nationally recognized Madhubani artist. : A self-made Madhubani artist who fought all odds to learn the nuances of the art form and become an accomplished painter, Padma Shri Dulari Devi is an inspiration to all of us. Her incredible life story, talent, and passion make the entire JEEVIKA family swell with pride. Dulari didi's paintings frequently feature on the JEEVIKA online platform.