In many parts of rural India, stepping outside the home without permission is still a dream for countless women. But Rajkumari Devi from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, refused to let restrictions stop her from fulfilling her dreams.
Today, she is known as KISAN CHACHI, a name that symbolizes courage, entrepreneurship, and community upliftment.
Her journey is the testament of one truth:
When a woman breaks barriers, she opens the gate for hundreds more.
Table of Contents
From Early Dreams to Early Marriage
Born in Saraiya village, Rajkumari Devi grew up in poverty, but she always dreamed of becoming a teacher.
Life, however, had other plans.
She was married young to Awadhesh Kumar Chaudhary of Anandpur village.
Her life became a familiar story:
A joint family. Unending household responsibilities. No freedom to step out, not even to the local market.
But Rajkumari Devi carried something powerful within her: an unshakeable desire to build a better life.
A Turning Point: Financial Crisis Creates a Farmer
A few years into marriage, her husband’s family divided. Awadhesh inherited just 2.5 acres of land used for tobacco farming.
But tobacco wasn’t enough to support a family of five.
So Rajkumari did something revolutionary for that time: she enrolled herself in Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University to learn scientific farming.
The community mocked her.
Her family questioned her.
But she believed in her choice, and in herself.
Sowing Seeds of Change: Her First Steps in Farming
Now she was a trained farmer and after learning farming she started cultivating fruits, vegetables, trees and shrubs. But instead of selling produce like traditional farmers, she spotted a business opportunity. She used her own harvest to make pickles, jams, jellies, and flour products.
Her homemade items became so popular that soon, markets in Delhi and Mumbai began carrying them.
From one small kitchen initiative grew the powerful Kisan Chachi brand, now offering 23 varieties of jams and pickles.
The Rise of ‘Cycle Chachi’
As her products gained recognition, Rajkumari began travelling to nearby villages, not by car or scooter, but on her bicycle.
She cycled from one village to another to:
- Teach women modern farming
- Encourage them to start micro-businesses
- Help them gain financial independence
Her dedication earned her a second nickname:
“Cycle Chachi.”
Empowering 300+ Women Through SHGs
Rajkumari didn’t want to grow alone. She wanted every rural woman to rise with her.
Under the Swarna Jayanti Rojgar Yojana, she helped nearly 300 women form Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These groups became lifelines for households needing stable income.
Under her mentorship, women who once weren’t allowed to step outside their homes are now growing crops, running small food processing units
, selling their products in weekly markets, and supporting their families proudly.
Rajkumari always says:
“This is not only for me. I support all women fully so they can build a future and be recognised in society.”
Awards, Recognition & National Spotlight
Her work did not go unnoticed.
Major Achievements
- Kisan Shri Award (2006) from the Bihar Government
- Padma Shri (2020) for contributions to agriculture and women empowerment
- Invited to Gujarat by Narendra Modi (then CM) in 2013 to represent Bihar at a handicrafts and cottage industry fair
- Advisor at Saraiya Krishi Vigyan Kendra
- Member, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board
- Featured in Central Government documentaries showcasing rural entrepreneurship
tHat’s how she chaged her situation from ignored by her own village to becoming a national icon.
Why Her Story Matters
Kisan Chachi stands at the intersection of resilience and purpose.
Her journey shows us that:
- Education can happen at any age
- Skills can become income
- Income can become independence
- And independence can inspire an entire community
Her pickles, her bicycle, her SHGs, everything she built reflects one belief:
Women are capable of leading revolutions, even from the smallest villages.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Rajkumari Devi built a movement through her business.
She is a mentor, a farmer, an entrepreneur, a changemaker, and a symbol of empowerment for every woman who dreams of a better life.
Because of her, over 300 families today live with dignity, pride, and financial stability.
Her message remains simple and strong:
“Empower one woman, and you empower a generation.”
Do you need more doses of inspiration. Here are some more stories of extraordinary women: