Leading Women Achievers & Role Models Of India

Women Have Come a Long Way in the World Today. Though the Problems and Issues Surrounding Women Still Exist One Cannot Deny That Women of Today Are Much Stronger and Determined in What They Want to Achieve in Life. Women Do Not Demand Respect by Command Respect Thanks to Their Achievements. We Take a Look at Some Such Women Who Have Made a Name for Themselves in Their Respective Fields With Their Dedication and Perseverance.

JAYADEVI CHOLAYIL Founder, Jullaaha

Married at 19, Jayadevi came to Chennai. She became part of the prestigious Cholayil family. Thankfully her in-laws were forward thinking and she was encouraged to have dreams and pursue them. With a NIFT diploma and a creative streak that incorporates a social agenda, she created Jullaaha and its line of handcrafted, socially responsible and natural clothes.

Jayadevi was sure that though she wanted to make something of her life she did not want to be away from her family especially her children. So in the beginning her endeavours were restricted to her home. But when her son left for the US for his higher studies he encouraged her to step out of the comforts of the home. Thus Jullaha was born. The name was suggested by her son and it means ‘weaver’ in Urdu. It only seemed apt as reviving traditional techniques such as Batik, Kalamkari and fine needlework along with the artisans who practice them is just one way of giving back that Jullaaha practices.

Talking about her journey Jayadevi says, “25 years back my husband coaxed me to do a batik printing course and that is when I realised that I had a creative streak. Slowly I started using this skill to make garments for family and friends. And before I knew it there was a small unit out of my kitchen. What started as a hobby is today a wonderful opportunity for 45 ladies to earn a living.” These special women come from impoverished backgrounds or have been rehabilitated after mental illness, destitution etc. Jullaaha trains these women and empowers them with a skill and a job. The women’s lives are transformed in the process, giving them the pride of creation as well as the strength to support themselves.