A group of women is not just reclaiming their lives—they are stitching together new beginnings where strength, self-reliance, and solidarity define their journey.
Published Mar 24, 2025 | 12:24 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 24, 2025 | 12:24 PM
Handing over a Bailey bag to Wayanad district collector.
Synopsis: The Bailey cloth carry bags represent human resilience in the face of adversities. They also mark a new beginning for a group of gritty women who had suffered and survived a series of savage landslides that hit Wayanad’s Meppadi panchayat on 30 July 2024.
The devastating landslides at the Punchirimattam evergreen forest of Meppadi in Wayanad on 30 July 2024 did not bury just homes—they also took with them dreams, memories, and entire lifetimes.
The landslides that devastated Punchirimattam, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Attamala claimed over 400 lives and left behind a scarred landscape and shattered spirits.
Yet, from the very heart of this tragedy, a tale of unyielding resilience has emerged.
A group of women—survivors of the catastrophe—have defied despair, turning their loss into a legacy of strength and self-reliance.
Together, they have forged a new beginning, launching ‘Bailey – A Product From Chooralmala’ —a name inspired by the 190-foot Bailey Bridge built by the Indian Army’s Madras Engineer Group to reconnect their fractured land.
Like the bridge that helped them rebuild their world, these women are constructing a future—one of hope, determination, and artistry.
Talking to South First, Nikhitha KH, president of Bailey – A Product of Chooralmala, recalls how an idea born out of grief became a symbol of resilience.
Women who are part of Bailey- A product from Chooralmala at their working space at Rippon, Wayanad.
“I hail from Chooralmala, and I lost my parents in that devastating landslide. Many others lost their loved ones, their homes, and everything they had built over a lifetime. In mere moments, our tightly knit community was torn apart,” she said.
“We were all drowning in sorrow, bound by shared grief. We needed a change—something that could bring us together, something that could help us heal.”
That’s when the idea of starting a business together took root. While job offers poured in from various quarters, Nikhitha and others felt a stronger calling—to rebuild their lives on their land, together.
“For some time, there had been discussions about setting up a cloth carrybag unit. But after the landslide, the idea gained new urgency. That’s how Bailey – A Product of Chooralmala was born,” she said.
The initiative was officially launched on 8 March, a date that carries profound significance—International Women’s Day, a celebration of strength, resilience, and empowerment.
“What better day to unveil a movement driven by the unwavering spirit of women who turned adversity into opportunity? Bailey – A Product from Chooralmala is not just a brand; it’s a powerful statement of courage, unity, and self-reliance, making its debut on a day that perfectly embodies its very essence,” Nikhitha said.
Challenges loomed large. Only a handful of women knew stitching, and most had lost their sewing machines to the disaster. But the collective spirit was unwavering.
A post shared by Wayanad District Collector Meghasree DR on Bailey Bag
Thirty women from the affected areas came together, determined to start afresh.
“We had to learn everything—stitching techniques, design, materials, and the nuances of running a business. That’s when we approached the Wayanad district administration,” Nikhitha explained.
Assistant Collector S Gautamraj, IAS, played a crucial role, connecting them to the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation. At the foundation’s Community Agro Biodiversity Centre, they underwent 17 days of intensive training. The Wayanad District Industries Centre also stepped in with support.
With newfound skills, they faced their next challenge—setting up a workspace. “We quickly realised that working in a hybrid model wasn’t feasible. We needed a dedicated space and, most importantly, power sewing machines,” Nikhitha said.
But power machines were beyond their budget. That’s when Kudumbashree Mission Wayanad and the district administration came to their aid, helping them secure sponsors like the TGG Foundation.
Their journey, which started on the terrace of a house with borrowed machines, has now led to a dedicated workspace at Rippon, Meppadi.
What began as a means of survival has now become a movement—an inspiring testament to resilience, unity, and the power of self-reliance.
When Nikhitha and her team launched their initiative, they called it Lifeline Wayanad.
Major Sita Ashok Shelke overseeing the construction of the Bailey bridge.
However, a new name emerged—Bailey—suggested and designed by the Wayanad district administration.
“For us, ‘Bailey’ represents determination and hope,” Nikhitha explained.
“The Bailey bridge that connected Mundakkai and Chooralmala was more than just a structure—it united people, hearts, and dreams. It gave many a second chance at life. The Indian Army built that bridge in just 31 hours amidst adversity, proving that resilience triumphs over challenges. The name felt unique, powerful, and close to our hearts,” she added.
Every detail in the Bailey logo tells a story:
🔹 The ‘b’ – Inspired by the Bailey bridge, symbolising connection and resilience.
🔹 Curved lines within the ‘b’ – Represent the river flowing through the valley.
🔹 Triangle at the top – Depicts the terrain, reinforcing the idea of bridging gaps.
🔹 Green colour – Reflects Wayanad’s lush greenery and the initiative’s commitment to sustainability.
🔹 Overall shape – Resembles a bag, the core product of this inspiring movement.
Seen as a whole, it takes the shape of a bag—blending practicality with symbolism.
The heart of this initiative is the Bailey Bag—a symbol of revival and gratitude.
Every product crafted by these resilient survivors is a dedication to Bailey, honouring the Indian Army’s heroic efforts in rebuilding lives and restoring hope.
Wayanad District Collector Meghasree DR, through a couple of heartfelt social media posts, introduced the inspiring journey behind ‘Bailey – A Product from Chooralmala.’
The 2024 Wayanad landslides were one of the deadliest disasters in Kerala’s history. (X)
In one of her posts, Meghasree stated, “‘Bailey’ is not just a product; it is the soul-stirring narrative of survival, resilience, and hope. Born from the ashes of disaster, this initiative is the life story of a community that refused to surrender to fate. It embodies the strength and determination of women from Chooralmala and Mundakkai—disaster survivors who have transformed their pain into purpose, their struggle into strength.”
According to the collector, what started as a small social initiative has now become a beacon of empowerment, stitching together dreams and opportunities.
“The Bailey brand is dedicated to uplifting local artisans and providing a sustainable livelihood to families affected by the disaster. Each Bailey bag is more than just a handcrafted product—it is a symbol of perseverance and self-reliance,” Meghasree said.
The District Collector also noted that the initiative draws its name from the Bailey Bridge, a lifeline rebuilt by the Indian Army in the wake of the calamity, and it stands as a tribute to their unwavering service and a reminder that, with courage and collective effort, even the most shattered lives can be rebuilt.
Nikhitha said that what began as a small group of 30 housewives has now evolved into a determined collective of 25 active women, each striving to break barriers and redefine their roles in society.
“The initiative is more than just an economic venture—it is a movement. With orders already coming in from organisations like the Indian Army and Kudumbashree Mission, we want to prove that given the right opportunities, we can thrive. Our products, crafted with skill and dedication, are not just commodities but symbols of resilience and empowerment,” Nikhitha said.
However, their vision extends beyond what they’ve already achieved.
Their next step? Establishing a dedicated store to showcase and sell their products, expanding their reach, and bringing more women into the fold.
“We want to create a space where women can invest their time meaningfully, gain financial stability, and support their families,” Nikhitha added.
As ‘Bailey – A Product from Chooralmala’ continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the unbreakable spirit of its founders.
What started as a means of survival has transformed into a beacon of hope, proving that resilience and unity can stitch together new beginnings.
With every Bailey bag, these women are not just reclaiming their lives—they are
stitching together new beginnings where strength, self-reliance, and solidarity define their journey.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
