Agartala, Aug 7: The approach of Independence Day has brought a different kind of activity to several rural households and community centres across Tripura, where women from Self-Help Groups under the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) are busy stitching the national flag while turning their skills into an opportunity for income.

Members of SHGs associated with the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) are working on batches of Tricolours ahead of August 15, contributing to the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and adding a local, livelihood-driven dimension to the celebrations.

For these women, the work is not simply about preparing flags for a national occasion. It has become a demonstration of how rural skills can be converted into economic opportunities.

Working from their homes and at community stitching centres, the women are using their tailoring expertise to produce the Tricolour. The activity is providing them with paid work while allowing them to participate directly in the Independence Day celebrations.

The initiative also reflects the changing role of rural SHG members, who are increasingly moving beyond traditional household activities and taking up income-generating work through their skills and collective efforts.

Every flag emerging from their stitching centres carries the labour of women who are working towards greater financial independence. For many SHG members, such opportunities provide not only additional household income but also a sense of confidence and recognition for their skills.

Their participation has consequently added a livelihood dimension to this year's Independence Day preparations in Tripura. The Tricolour, being prepared for display in homes and public spaces, is simultaneously creating an avenue for rural women to strengthen their own economic standing.

The initiative highlights how community-based programmes can connect national campaigns with grassroots economic empowerment, allowing women to become contributors to public celebrations while building sustainable livelihoods.

When these flags are hoisted on August 15, they will represent more than the colours of the national flag. They will also carry the effort, skill and aspirations of the rural women of Tripura who helped stitch them.