Dalit History Month: How a Vegetable Seller’s Daughter Broke Caste Barriers to Become a Beauty Industry Icon!

Bhopal- When Babli Ahirwar Meshram recently taught makeup techniques to nearly 400 women from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra at a makeup seminar in Bhopal, it wasn’t just about redefining beauty. It was the story of a woman’s courage, self-reliance, and struggle—one that overcame caste discrimination and social barriers to script a new chapter of success.

The 34-year-old Babli Ahirwar’s journey is nothing short of a cinematic script. Born into a Dalit family, she grew up amidst financial struggles and daily caste discrimination. Her father, Laxman Ahirwar, sold vegetables to make ends meet. Being the second among six sisters, she faced harsh societal realities from childhood. Despite caste discrimination, poverty, and lack of resources, she had an indomitable spirit.

From an early age, Babli was passionate about education. But society and circumstances tried to limit her dreams. She faced caste discrimination multiple times as a child but never gave up.

In 2011, she married Praveen Meshram, who was then a college student. This marriage wasn’t just a union but the beginning of a new dream. Her husband encouraged her at every step, but her mother-in-law, Hemlata Meshram, played an unforgettable role in her journey. She not only recognized Babli’s talent but also motivated her to learn English and pursue her dreams. This passion for education drove Babli to complete her MBA.

When Babli was pregnant, doctors advised bed rest. But she refused to stay idle—she was determined to achieve something. Her mother-in-law understood her restlessness and bought her makeup worth ₹1,500. This small gesture planted the seed for Babli’s dreams to flourish. She started a small parlor in a room at her home.

The journey wasn’t easy. Initially, she had limited clients, but she honed her skills with hard work and dedication. In 2016, she began teaching at a private college while running her parlor. Her first earnings were just ₹500, but for her, it was a major victory—a sign that her efforts were paying off.

Gradually, her hard work bore fruit, and today, she is a successful makeup artist. Her services are in demand not just in Bhopal but in other cities as well. She has trained thousands of women in seminars, inspiring them to become self-reliant. She now teaches makeup at her parlor and believes that women are born confident—they just need to become self-sufficient.

Babli Ahirwar is now a mother to two daughters—a 10-year-old and a 4-year-old. She believes that struggle and education are the tools to break social chains. The caste discrimination she faced as a child made her realize that education is the only path to change.

Inspired by Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts, she continues to advocate for education. Speaking to The Mooknayak, she says, "Women must study, progress, and stand on their own feet. If we make ourselves capable, society will accept us."

Monika Sharma, director of the Grand Beauty Award (GBA), played a significant role in Babli’s success. Monika organizes seminars to train women in makeup and not only motivated Babli but also helped her gain national recognition. Babli shared that Monika also provided her opportunities to do makeup for celebrities.

Speaking to The Mooknayak, Monika Sharma said, "We are concerned about the marginalized sections of society. Women should get equal opportunities. Dr. Ambedkar spoke about equality, and because of him, we have rights today. We need more women like Babli who can inspire others and help them become self-reliant."

Babli’s husband, Praveen Meshram, says he has always supported his wife. "My entire family stands with Babli. I believe men and women are equal. I always knew Babli would achieve something big one day, and today, our family’s name shines because of her struggle," he said.

Babli told The Mooknayak, "When I decided to move forward, the path wasn’t easy. But I knew that if I studied and became self-reliant, no one would see me as weak. When I did a bride’s makeup for the first time and earned ₹500, it wasn’t just money—it was my first earnings from hard work, a victory for my self-respect."

"I was always made to feel that as a Dalit woman, I had limitations. But I freed myself from those boundaries. My mother-in-law and husband supported me, but society’s taunts still follow me. Yet, when I teach makeup to women and see them dream of becoming self-reliant, I feel my struggle was worth it. If even one woman gets inspired by my journey and stands on her own feet, that will be my biggest victory," Babli said.