Darshan Kaur, a resident of Ludhiana, said she previously worked in the private sector but had to leave her job after developing severe cervical pain.
Darshan Kaur, a resident of Ludhiana.
An 83-year-old woman in Ludhiana has become a symbol of resilience and self-reliance by earning a modest livelihood through handcrafting traditional attire for Hindu deities, despite advancing age, health challenges and financial hardship.
Every evening, Darshan Kaur can be seen sitting beside Chandigarh Road near Sohan Kiryana Store, carefully stitching colourful outfits for idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman and Khatu Shyam Ji. From around 5 pm to 8 pm, she displays her handmade creations for sale, relying on the small income to support her daily needs and medical expenses.
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Darshan Kaur, a resident of Ludhiana, said she previously worked in the private sector but had to leave her job after developing severe cervical pain. Instead of depending on others for support, she decided to use her tailoring skills to earn a living with dignity.
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Once a week, she visits the local cloth market to purchase fabric, lace, decorative borders and other materials required for the garments. She spends several hours at home designing and stitching each outfit by hand before bringing them to the roadside stall in the evening, hoping to find customers.
“I do not want sympathy or charity from anyone. If people appreciate my work, they can support me by buying it. I only want to earn my livelihood through honest hard work,” she said.
According to Darshan Kaur, she prepares outfits in different sizes to fit various idols. Depending on the design and demand, her monthly earnings range between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000, an amount that barely covers household expenses and medicines.
Residents of the area and regular customers have praised her determination and dedication. One customer said that while many people become dependent on others at such an advanced age, Darshan Kaur continues to work every day with commitment and self-respect, making her perseverance truly inspiring.
Her family has been facing financial difficulties for several years. One of her sons earns a modest income by driving an auto-rickshaw, while the other does not have regular employment. Determined not to become an additional burden on her family, Darshan Kaur continues to support herself through her craftsmanship.
Despite age-related ailments and limited financial returns, she remains committed to her work. For her, every handmade garment represents not only devotion but also hope, self-respect, and the determination to remain independent in the face of life’s challenges.
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