Pabi Sara Rajali
Preserving Tradition and Weaving a Future of Hope
Palpa, a district renowned for its intricate Dhaka weaves, became a pivotal point in Pabi Sara Rajali’s life over two decades ago.
Coming from a Magar household in the mountains, Pabi Sara ventured to Tansen against her parents’ wishes, driven by a yearning to explore the world beyond her village. Initially unfamiliar with Nepali and lacking exposure to monetary transactions, she embarked on a journey that would shape her future profoundly.
Accompanied by her cousin, herself a weaver, Pabi Sara immersed herself in learning the art of weaving and adapting to a new language. "It wasn’t easy," she recalls, "but it gave me the independence I craved."
Life took a turn when she met Chandra Bahadur Rajali, a skilled technician at a local weaving center. Not soon after they got married, they faced financial struggles, prompting Chandra Bahadur to seek opportunities abroad. However, after facing hardships in Dubai, he returned to Palpa, realizing the potential in the growing demand for Palpali Dhaka.
The couple decided to carve their path, starting New Sangharsha Dhaka Udhyog with determination and a few borrowed looms. "We named it Sangharsha, honoring our journey through hardships," Pabi Sara explains. Despite initial challenges in management and operational knowledge, their perseverance began to pay off.
In 2016, Pabi Sara’s participation in the Women Rural Enterprise Acceleration Program by Daayitwa proved transformative. The program equipped her with essential business skills and leadership training, enabling significant growth in their enterprise. "It was a turning point," she reflects. "We learned to diversify our products and streamline operations."
Today, Sangharsha Dhaka Udhyog stands as one of the 32 small-scale Dhaka businesses in Palpa, with a turnover averaging Rs 200,000 monthly. Employing seven women directly, the company not only sustains local craftsmanship but also empowers women economically.
"We take pride in our quality," Pabi Sara asserts, emphasizing the importance of employee satisfaction in product excellence.
Despite setbacks like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, which temporarily halted operations, Pabi Sara and Chandra Bahadur remained resilient.
"We sold vegetables by the highway to survive," she recalls. Yet, their commitment to their craft and community resilience guided them through adversity.
As they envision expansion, their goal remains clear: to create a sustainable business that supports local artisans and provides a legacy for their daughters. "We want them to have options," Pabi Sara shares. "To know they can build something meaningful."
Pabi Sara Rajali’s journey from a remote village to a successful entrepreneur in Palpa is a testament of resilience and determination. Through challenges and opportunities, she has not only transformed her life but also contributed to preserving Palpa’s cultural heritage. As Sangharsha Dhaka Udhyog thrives, it continues to weave more than fabric—it weaves a future of hope and empowerment for its community.