From Tragedy to Triumph: How a Spinal Injury Sparked a Crochet Revolution
In 2016, a catastrophic accident on the Mangaluru to Bengaluru route at Nelamangala forever altered the life of Poornima K from Perabe in Kadaba, Dakshina Kannada district. A collision between a car and a truck resulted in a severe spinal cord injury, confining her to bed for nearly a year. The prolonged recovery, compounded by personal struggles, plunged her into deep depression, leaving her emotionally shattered.
The Healing Power of Crochet
However, four years later, an unexpected therapeutic outlet emerged. Poornima discovered that while physiotherapy aided her physical rehabilitation, it was the ancient craft of crochet that mended her mental wounds. She revealed, "After the accident, I was completely shattered due to health and family issues. Physiotherapy slowly helped me recover physically, but crochet helped me heal mentally."
Although familiar with basic crochet techniques, Poornima dedicated herself to mastering the art through extensive online tutorials. By 2021, her dedication culminated in the launch of her pioneering initiative, 'Crochet on Wheels', symbolizing mobility and resilience.
Artistic Expansion and Recognition
Beginning with simple wearables, Poornima gradually diversified her portfolio to include:
- Elegant accessories like earrings and coasters
- Charming children's toys
- Intricate sweaters requiring approximately 50 hours per adult garment
Her breakthrough came with amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed figures. "I realised amigurumi had great demand. My 14-inch figurines of Lord Krishna and Lord Ram became instant hits," she explained. This niche specialization propelled her into the spotlight, attracting customers beyond the coastal region to a pan-Indian audience.
From Coping Mechanism to Sustainable Livelihood
Today, Crochet on Wheels offers an impressive range from divine dolls to practical children's wear, with gifting items maintaining a steady local market. Encouraged by overwhelming response, Poornima has expanded into conducting basic online crochet classes, transforming personal healing into community empowerment.
Her remarkable journey from adversity to achievement was recently honored with the prestigious Havyaka Shri Award at a ceremony in Bengaluru, cementing her status as an inspirational entrepreneur. "What started as a coping mechanism has now become a source of livelihood and empowerment," Poornima affirmed, embodying the transformative power of creativity and determination.
