Meet Rukmini Devi: Married At 13, Dropped Out In Class 9, Now Owns A Business Worth Rs. 3.5 Crores

India has always been the home to some of the strongest women in the world, who have made room for themselves in all fields despite the hardships and hurdles thrown their way. And the modern women, they are beyond stoppable; Rukmani Devi Katara is one such woman who made a name and a business for herself from the ground up. In a world that still believes in oppressing women, in small towns and villages, women like Rukmani Devi Katara are writing their own destinies.

Despite what was handed to them, women are fighting not just for equal rights and opportunities but also for an equal voice. Rukmani was dealt a pair of tough cards, but she didn't complain. Rather, she made the best of what she had and today leads life on her own terms. But how did a small village woman become the owner of a business with a valuation in crores? Well, let's take a look at the journey of Rukmani Devi. 

Rukmani Devi Katara had dropped out of school after grade nine

Rukmani Devi Katara hails from a small and quiet village in the corner of Rajasthan's Dungarpur district. She used to earn her living by working long hours under the scorching sun at NREGA worksites and now runs a company that has made her a millionaire. While her present seems comfortable, her past is written with the blood and sweat of her hard work. The businesswoman dropped out of school after studying only till class 9 and has now become the CEO of a company with a turnover of well over Rs. 3.5 crores. 

Rukmani Devi Katara got married at the tender age of 13

Rukmani Devi Katara could've chosen the same future as many other women in her village and stayed behind the ghunghat, but her heart wanted more from life, and she made sure she got what her heart desired. Rukmani Devi was married at the young age of 13 and began her life as any other housewife, until an opportunity presented itself, and Rukmani seized it with the tight grip of her determination. 

Rukmani Devi Katara's journey from a self-help group to the CEO of Durga Solar Company

Rukmani Devi Katara had to contend with financial uncertainties in her early days after her husband lost his job, which pushed the entire family into an economic downturn. However, to help out her husband, Rukmani decided to take on the responsibilities herself. However, her real journey began in Madwa Khaparda. It was in this small village in Dungarpur that Rukmani joined a self-help group through Rajeevika. For the unversed, Rajeevika is the Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (RGAVP), an autonomous body under the Department of Rural Development, Government of Rajasthan.

The project's initiative is to implement livelihood programs that aim to improve the lives of the poor in rural areas. As her collaboration with Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad, Rukmani Devi Katara learnt how to make and install solar lamps and plates. This knowledge soon became the foundation of her company as the spark of learning soon grew into the fire of leadership. Once Rukmani had acquired the necessary skills, her husband supported her in building her company, Durga Solar Company, which was formally registered as Dungarpur Renewable Energy Technology Private Limited.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi feliciated Rukmani Devi Katara in 2016

Rukmani Devi Karata's story was recognised on the national level. Her success was loud and proud, and soon reached the ears of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who feliciated her in Delhi in 2016. The businesswoman has since spoken at several events, inspiring generations of women to not give up on their dreams and ambitions. During one such event, Rukmani discussed her academic background and emphasised that a woman should never limit herself because of her academic qualifications or lack thereof. She was quoted as saying:

"Women should never stop themselves because they have less education. You can grow even with less education."

Rukmani Devi Katara has provided a livelihood to more than 50 women

Rukmani Devi Katara, by January 31, 2025, had mobilised over 10.05 crore women-led households into 90.90 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs), according to the government of India. The businesswoman's journey is a testament to her resilience and fierceness. She has also started a Self-Help Group under Rajeevika. Rukmani later joined IIT Bombay's Solar Saheli program, where she learned how to build solar panels. With her unwavering dedication and hard work, her company, Durga Solar, has installed over 500,000 solar panels, distributed 40,000 solar study lamps, and empowered more than 55 women with sustainable livelihoods. 

Rukmani Devi Katara is an inspiration for her children and also the women in rural India

image courtesy @NationalGeographic

Rukmani Devi Katara's work is not just about clean energy, but also about rewriting the future of leadership in rural India. The businesswoman was also featured in National Geographic's One for Change campaign. Rukmani now dreams of expanding her workforce to over 1,000 women. While she stands as an inspiration for tribal women, Rukmani is also a source of inspiration to her children. The mother of four has two children pursuing their B.Ed degrees while the younger two continue their studies. During a conversation with News18, the businesswoman stated:

"I studied only up to the ninth standard. But today, I am the owner of a company. So why can't other women do this?"

Rukmani Devi Katara's journey is truly an inspiration to women from all walks of life. What are your thoughts on her journey? Let us know.

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