Punjabi language is not just a means of communication, but also our identity, our culture and the voice of our soul. At a time when the trend of forgetting mother tongues is increasing, Rupinder Kaur, who belongs to Dayalgarh village of Sangrur district, and is currently running her startup ‘Basta Ghar’ in Patiala, has taken up the task of preserving Punjabi through her art. During a conversation with the team of ‘Sada Punjab’, Rupinder Kaur spoke openly about her life’s struggle, her thinking and the beginning of this unique initiative.
Childhood and Attitude towards Work
Rupinder Kaur says that her childhood was spent in simplicity and hard work. Her mother used to do sewing and worked day and night to meet the expenses of the house. Seeing her mother working, Rupinder developed an interest in sewing and embroidery. Since the family situation was not good, she started working along with her studies from a very young age.
Inspiration from Punjabi University
While studying at Punjabi University, Patiala, a program organized on the occasion of International Mother Language Day (February 21) gave her a new direction in her thinking. During this program, the speakers shared that the Punjabi language is slowly losing its place. This made Rupinder Kaur think about what she could do for Punjabi at her own level.
Beginning with Gurmukhi letters
Since Rupinder Kaur was familiar with embroidery, she started engraving Gurmukhi letters on cloth using a machine. She made a simple jhola for the first time. The positive response and love she received from people inspired her to lay the foundation of ‘Basta Ghar’.
2021: First Stall and Courage
In 2021, Rupinder Kaur formally launched her startup. She set up her first stall during an event in Ludhiana on the occasion of Labour Day (May 1). According to her, she was feeling quite nervous at that time and did not have a solid business plan. Initially, people just kept watching, but by the end of the event, all the bags were sold.
‘Basta Ghar’ — The Name and the Thought
Rupinder Kaur says that “basta” is an ancient word used for a school bag, while “ghar” symbolizes her sense of belonging and security. For her, ‘Basta Ghar’ is a place where she can give wings to her dreams. She says that this place is not like an office or a shop, but like a home, where there is no boss and everyone works without pressure.
Importance of Khadar and Gurmukhi
Khaddar is mainly used in ‘Basta Ghar’, which is a traditional cloth associated with the villages of Punjab, but its use is decreasing these days. Gurmukhi characters are engraved on each bag. Rupinder Kaur believes that Punjabi is a language through which she can express her heart well.
Reaching abroad
These bags made in Punjab are now being sent to Canada and Australia. For Punjabis living abroad, these products are becoming a means of connecting with their land and their language.
Family support and trust
Rupinder Kaur believes that girls often do not get full support when starting a business, but her family has always stood by her. She says that God also supports those who work hard, and she learned this from watching her mother work.
Education and future plans
Rupinder Kaur has studied MA and B.Ed. Apart from this, she has also cleared NET and PSTET exams. She also speaks on the perception in society that girls’ businesses are often weighed with low marks. According to her, the joy of a small thing earned through one’s own hard work is different from any big gift.
Opportunities and motivation for women
Currently, 15 to 20 women are associated with ‘Basta Ghar’. Many women, who had dropped out after their 10th standard, were inspired to complete their studies up to 12th and BA while working here.
Desire to be an example
Rupinder Kaur says that she wants to be an example for other girls. According to her, if her work can inspire even ten girls to start their own businesses, then that will be her biggest achievement.
Final message
Rupinder Kaur gives a message to all girls to never give up, believe in their potential and keep working hard to fulfill their dreams. ‘Basta Ghar’ has today become a unique initiative that combines the Punjabi language and women’s power.
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