New Delhi, April 29 (IANS): Gamocha, the traditional cloth and symbol of respect in Assam, has now become a symbol of health, safety and hygiene.

More than one crore face masks have been made by various Self-Help Groups across the country. Rashmi from Nagaon, member of Runjhun SHG, has also prepared masks using Assam's traditional cloth.

"It shows relentless effort, positive energy and united resolve of SHGs to fight Covid-19 under DAY-NULM flagship scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs," the ministry stated.

At the core of this proud moment is a strong face of women entrepreneurs supported by the Mission. Their resilience is motivating others to multiply the efforts with more energy and determination.

Shubhangi Chandrakant Dhaygude, President, Samrudhhi Area Level Federation (ALF) collects orders through phone and stitches masks at her home in Titwala, Maharashtra. She says that they have made 50,000 masks and 45 more women are involved in making masks with her.

Meenu Jha, member of Savarni, an SHG in Kota, Rajasthan says that even she did not imagine that this small step can be so inspiring for others. These lines of Meenu Jha reiterate the fact that all of us have the unique capability of contributing in this fight even during lockdown.

Updesh Andotra, member of Prayas Self Help Group in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, feels proud while making the tricolour masks.