Catholic Garo women received the Aparajita award 2022

Bangladeshi Catholic Garo woman Milon Chisim, the owner and founder of Tribal Crafts, received the “Aparajita Award 2022” along with seven other distinguished women at Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka.

Milon Chisim received the MGI Baghbangla Aparajita Sammana, an award given by the Meghna Group of Industries and Baghbangla Entertainment.

The eminent women were awarded for their tremendous contribution to the family, society, state, and international community on International Women’s Day, March 8.

Milon Chisim received recognition for her contribution to developing the family and society in Bangladesh.

Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the speaker of the National Parliament, was the chief guest on the occasion.

"Despite many crises, women have been contributing to every field of the country. Today, even in remote areas, women are contributing by graduating. This has been possible because the government is creating different areas for the development of women. So, I give thanks to her organization; hundreds of artisans have a job and earn a living," Chaudhury said. 

The parliamentarian said that we have to work for women’s safety in the workplace, including other areas where women's crisis needs to be addressed.

Chisim, who is a member of Biroidakuni Catholic Church of Mymensingh diocese, said, "We are grateful to all our clients who were and are still with the journey of Tribal Crafts. Without your love, support and appreciation, it wouldn't have been sustained this far. Your contribution to our journey will always be part of our success story."

Milon Chisim, a Garo indigenous woman, obtained the award under the “Enlighten Women Category.” Tribal Crafts, her organization, generated hundreds of rural handicraftsmen who accessed employment opportunities.  

As an entrepreneur, she collects various kinds of handicrafts such as cloth, Jewelry, toys of kids from artisans, selling products locally and internationally. 

However, the eight women received the 'MGI Baghbangla Aparajita Sammana' (An honor for undefeated women) for their contribution to the overall development of Bangladesh through their work in various fields.

Chisim said, "I studied at Eden Women's College in Dhaka. After that, I studied at Dhaka University and joined the job. As soon as I got a job, I thought that Indigenous people have a lot of traditional handicrafts, and I would work with them. On the two days off of the week, I would go to the indigenous people involved in handicrafts. This is how love was created in me for handicraft. From there, I gradually worked on different topics."

"I started work with Garo tribal indigenous people's potter products. We started making different kinds of bags with tribal clothes. We make different kinds of soft and small toys for children," said Chisim.

"After making the products, I thought, we don't just have to make them, we have to make a market. That's why I make a showroom of Tribal Crafts. We ship our products to different countries," said she.

Chisim has participated in different fairs in the country and abroad with Garo products, garnering praise.

“I currently also sell products online. I think future generations will be interested in these handicrafts, and they will do better and move forward,” she said.

Milon Chisim ingeniously started the business in the early 1990s. This wasn't only the business journey; it was also a new beginning of discovering her own culture and retaining them for the future generation.

Later on, it was an opportunity for many people to earn a living. Hundreds of craftsmen are also benefitting from her leadership.

Maria Chisim, one of the parishioners from Biroidakuni Church.

"We are really very grateful to the owner and founder of Tribal Crafts, our sister Milon Chisim for her thought, intellect, and dedicated service for the rural people to develop our society and family. I congratulate her on this achievement and award 2022. I wish her good life".  

Tribal Crafts Facebook page says: We are extremely thankful to the jury board members for giving this award to Milon Chisim under the Enlighten Women category. Besides, we are grateful to all our clients who were and are still with the journey of Tribal Crafts. Without your love, support, and appreciation, it wouldn't have been sustained this far. Your contribution to our trip will always be part of our success story.