I am 35 years old and live in Janakpur’s Kuwa-12 district with my three children, husband, and mother-in-law. My husband’s main source of income is digging pipes for hand pumps.

For the past eight years, I have worked in the sewing department at the Janakpur Women’s Development Center (JWDC). I make cows, goats, horses, and elephants as toys. Based on customer orders, we manufacture bags and various other goods. JWDC has provided me with various forms of training up to this point.

Initially, I learned to paint from my mother. I used to paint and sell my paintings. I had a strong desire to learn to paint as a child. When I joined JWDC, I also got the chance to get involved in sewing and put in more effort. If given a chance, I would like to paint in the future.

JWDC has always supported and guided me every step of the way. They corrected my mistakes even when I made them. I used to sew clothes at home, which helped me get involved in the office sewing department. I have to be precise when cutting clothes because even minor mistakes can cause significant damage to the doll. I enjoy working with my coworkers.

My family’s economic condition was not so good. So I started painting to make money, but now I love it and want to do Mithila art for the rest of my life. The community used to discourage me, saying it was bad work, but my husband always encouraged me to learn Mithila art. He used to say that if we both worked, we could boost the family’s income. Due to my low family income, I only completed the fifth grade. My father used to work on other people’s farms to make a living.

I would be overjoyed if the next generation came to learn and promote our art. Educated artists can make a significant difference in the development of Mithila art. I would like to invite and encourage people to come to JWDC to learn about the various forms of Mithila painting.