Jahanara Begum is a Bangladeshi social worker. Begum, known as the "Queen of Cottage Industry" in Bangladesh, has carried out transformative work in the

rural development Rural development is the process of improving the quality of life, quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas, often relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas. Often, rural regions have experienced rural povert ...

sector. Born in

Comilla Comilla (), officially spelled Cumilla, is a metropolis on the banks of the Gomti River in eastern Bangladesh. Comilla was one of the cities of ancient Bengal. It was once the capital of Tripura kingdom. Comilla Airport is located in the Duli ...

, Begum has promoted economic independence for women through cottage industries, focusing on skills like embroidery and handicrafts. By organising training programs and workshops, she helped women earn livelihoods and gain financial independence. She was awarded the

Independence Day Award The Independence Award (), formally known as the Independence Day Award or Swadhinata Padak (), is the highest state award given by the government of Bangladesh. Introduced in 1977 by President Ziaur Rahman, this award is bestowed upon Banglade ...

in 1993 by the

Government of Bangladesh The government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh () is the central government of Bangladesh. The government was constituted by the Constitution of Bangladesh comprising the executive (the president, prime minister and cabinet), the ...

Background and career

Begum was born to Azmat Ali. She was married to Moninul Islam Miyagi. After the wedding, she moved to Adda village of Barura Upazila. Begum wrote books on cottage industry and its development and history: * ''Comilla Shilpo Bishok Pustak'' (1976) * ''Bashtobayone Adda Grame Kutir Shipler Oboshon'' (1976) * ''Jahan Ara's Kutir Shilpo Rushiar'' (1980) * ''Embroidery Design Pustak'' (1984) * ''Dorji Biddya Shikka'' (1986) * ''Kutir Shilper Jari Ghan'' (1988) * ''Kutir Shilpo'' (1988) * ''Utpadito Pather Shochitro Catalog'' (1990)

Awards

* Kutir Shilper Kandari by the then governor Azam Khan (1962) * The Comilla Foundation Gold Medal (1977 and 1985) * National Social Welfare Award (1988) *

(1993) * The Rotary Club Award (2000) * Shada Moner Manush

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Begum, Jahanara Living people People from Comilla Bangladeshi social workers Recipients of the Independence Award Place of birth missing (living people) Date of birth missing (living people) Year of birth missing (living people)