Situated in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plain of North India, Bhagalpur, is one of the oldest districts of Bihar, with the famous seat of learning, Vikramshila, located here. It has been associated with the weaving industry for hundreds of years and is known for its silk and cotton weaves.

Divyadarshi Kusum belongs to a family of weavers of the Ambava village of this district. The craft has been practiced since the time of his forefathers, and he was initiated into it in his childhood. However, his family had to migrate to the city due to a lack of work in the village. They started weaving for a master weaver, who supplied the yarn and other required material. The finished product was coarse and thick cotton, used for items such as cushion covers, bedcovers, etc., which mainly catered to the local market. 
His association with a cluster-level handloom school taught him efficient weaving and manufacturing techniques for a variety of items. He has now set up three looms of his own and makes products such as sarees and dupattas of finer weaves as well and customises them as per the demands of his clients. 
Marketing of products remains a concern. Government initiatives in this regard would assist in selling at a profit. Earning about 18-20 thousand per month at present, he seeks to scale up production to make his business sustainable.