Meet Kamal Kumbhar – a name now synonymous with resilience and rural revolution. From starting her journey with just ₹200 to becoming a Padma Shri awardee, Kamal’s life is a blueprint of possibility for countless women in rural India. Born in Osmanabad, Maharashtra, Kamal broke the shackles of poverty and patriarchy with nothing but sheer determination. Today, she is not only an entrepreneur with ventures in poultry, solar energy, and sustainable farming but also a changemaker empowering over 5,000 women to become financially independent. Her work in creating self-help groups (SHGs), promoting clean energy, and reviving native farming practices is rewriting the rural economy's future—one village at a time. This is not just her story; it’s the story of thousands whose lives she’s touched.
Humble Beginnings, Unstoppable Spirit
A glimpse of Kamal’s roots in rural Maharashtra
Kamal Kumbhar was born into poverty in Osmanabad. With limited education and no access to capital, her life appeared to follow a predestined path of struggle. But Kamal was never one to accept limits. With just ₹200, she started a small business selling bangles. That initiative sparked a fire in her—she began educating herself in financial literacy and sustainable practices. Her foray into agriculture using natural farming methods not only improved yields but also reduced dependency on chemicals, making farming eco-friendly and affordable for others.
Solar Energy and Clean Tech Crusader
Promoting solar lights and clean energy in villages
Kamal’s efforts didn’t stop at farming. She realized that rural women were spending hours on chores due to lack of electricity. She partnered with NGOs and solar startups to distribute solar-powered lights and stoves. Her work reached over 3,000 homes, improving quality of life, reducing health hazards, and empowering women to work after dark. Her model is now being replicated in other districts, blending grassroots awareness with scalable, renewable energy innovation.
Building Networks of Rural Entrepreneurs
Kamal with women she mentored through SHGs
Kamal founded and nurtured multiple Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for women in Maharashtra. She trained women in goat-rearing, poultry, vermicomposting, and other income-generating activities. The SHGs have helped thousands access microfinance, develop business acumen, and achieve autonomy in their homes and communities. Her efforts are a testament to the power of collectivism and the economic potential that lies dormant in rural women when given the right tools.
National Recognition and Padma Shri Honour
Kamal at the Rashtrapati Bhavan receiving the award
In 2021, Kamal Kumbhar was honored with the Padma Shri for her extraordinary contribution to rural entrepreneurship and women empowerment. The award was not just a personal milestone but a victory for all the women whose lives she helped transform. Despite national recognition, Kamal remains grounded and continues to visit villages, conducting awareness drives, mentoring youth, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
The Legacy of a Rural Trailblazer
Kamal Kumbhar’s story is proof that entrepreneurship isn’t confined to cities or capital—it begins with courage. Her work in sustainable farming, clean energy, and women’s empowerment has created ripples across rural India. As she continues to sow seeds of change, Kamal reminds us that when women rise, entire communities flourish.
