The Power of Women Coming Together—The Palm Leaf Story

By Soumya and Indrani, Svanir Experiences

Binapani Sahoo’s life once revolved around household chores, praying that she would be able to save enough for her sons’ futures. Money was always tight, so tight that her eldest son had to leave school and take up small jobs. But fortunately, life had bigger plans for her.

During a random visit to Puri, she wandered into a fair where women from a self-help group were selling Talapatachitra, or Palm Leaf Paintings. Their hands moved with effortless grace as they etched delicate patterns on dried leaves. Binapani watched, amazed. “If they can do this,” she whispered to herself, “maybe I can too.” Not knowing where to begin, she went to see Gouri Maa, the kind, sharp-witted woman everyone in the village admired. In her heydays, Gouri Maa had worked as a stenographer. She listened to Binapani keenly and said, “Why shouldn’t we try?” tapping her walking stick on the floor. Together, they found Amiyo, a patient teacher who was already helping villagers learn traditional crafts and earn additional income. What followed was a quiet revolution which changed the lives of many women there. Gouri Maa and her daughter-in-law, Madhusmita, began visiting homes in the village. “Just give us two hours a day,” they told other women. “Two hours for yourselves.” Slowly, the women began to arrive. Soon, they turned an old grain store into a small meeting and workspace.

They say when women come together to support each other up, something quiet but powerful begins to take root. We have been lucky to see this magic ourselves, where the stories written on palm leaves shaped by the hardworking, hopeful hands of the women in Deuliathenga village, Odisha has created a success story. Today, when we visit their village, the air feels alive with laughter and friendly chatter.

share Indrani and Soumya.

Binapani’s oldest son is back in school, his fees paid by the palm leaf paintings she sells. Gouri Maa, now too weak for fine engraving, sits by the window sanding leaves smooth. “This is how I fight back,” she smiles, holding up a polished leaf. “My mark is no longer on paper,  it’s in the children’s future.”

It stirs our soul to witness how these calloused, diligent hands craft such exquisite art. Gouri Maa’s unwavering faith has transformed a dusty storeroom into a sanctuary of resilience. Here, dreams extended beyond mere bricks and mortar; they sought a haven where sisterhood flourishes. It’s a space imbued with laughter and warmth, where women gather to share stories and proudly declare, “Look what we’ve created. Witness who we are becoming.”

Sometimes, the biggest changes begin quietly, like the measured strokes of the lekhani, the tiny tool that turns plain palm leaves into stories of hope.

But at present, they are facing difficult times. Their village lies in a flood-prone region, and it has become hard to keep their dried leaves safe. The small place where they work together often gets damp, and moisture damages their stored boxes and paintings. Fungus & mold developing on their handmade artworks, ruining days of effort. They need a proper, dry workspace , a place to protect their craft and continue their new found independence without fear of losing what they create. The women are hoping for some help through crowdfunding or any philanthropic effort. They do not ask for much, just a simple, covered workshop where they can work peacefully and store their raw materials and finished products away from the rains.

If you or someone you know can support them, please reach out Soumya and Indrani (Contact: +919678076450). It's a promise for complete transparency, accountability and updates. 

Stay in touch with Soumya, Indrani and Svanir Experiences from Odisha, India and help them support artisans in Odisha in any way possible.

Read our collection of Artisan Stories.