Seema is an active member of Gruhalaxmi Cooperative. Leading the self help group of her village as President, Seema was always in the look out for a viable opportunity of setting up a new enterprise. While discussing different entrepreneurial initiatives in Gruhalaxmi Cooperating in the presence of other members and experts from ACCESS team, Seema was enthusiastic with the idea of setting up of a phenyl unit. She further discussed the idea in her group and all members of her group also came to a consensus. Seema requested ACCESS team members to organise a training programme for her group members where they could learn the process of production and packaging of phenyl. With immediate effect a trainer was deployed for the Group in Talbahal. Within a month, the group was ready to prepare phenyl. Initially they prepared 1000 litres of phenyl, bottled it properly and labelled it with the logo and name of Gruhalaxmi Cooperative. “We learnt a new skill which has tremendous market potential. This is true that our marketing opportunities are somewhat restricted due to this pandemic time, but once the institutions, hostels and other facilities are opened, we will be selling our products in full swing,” said Seema with lots of hope in her eyes. She further informed, “Despite the limitations we are trying our best to sell our products in the market.” This is for Seema, all the women in her village are now self reliant and are earning an income of Rs 2000-Rs 3,000 per month. This income will surely enhance in coming days.

Despite her being a mother of 4 kids and an extended family to take care of, Narmada has always nurtured the ambition to do something for her fellow group members which will make them financially independent. A true entrepreneur by spirit and practice, Narmada is one of the most promising members of Gruhalaxmi Cooperative. During the visit of ACCESS team to her village Nuagoan to sensitise the women about the cooperative model, she was the one who showed lot of interest and enthusiasm for this initiative. Eventually, after the formation of the Cooperative she became one of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative.

After the outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic, one of the major problems faced by the local people was non availability of masks in the locality. The local market ran out of the masks due to its huge demand and those who were having it were charging exorbitant price. Looking at the severity of the situation, Narmada took up the job of organising women having basic skill and training of sewing and tailoring so that they can produce mask in large scale. Narmada, not only managed her household chores but also relentlessly ensured production of huge quantity of masks. In a week’s time she alone produced more than 500 masks. “I am not doing this only to earn money, but I understand, how important a mask is to safeguard one’s life.”, she said with utmost satisfaction, “I may not be the sun who lights the entire world but definitely I can be a lamp who can light a small corner of a house”. Her efforts were not only appreciated by her husband but also by her fellow villagers.

Pinky has initiated an enterprise around growing flower and selling them in the nearby market. This is one of its kind in the area.

She is expecting to earn an income of more than Rs 10,000/- from this source. She and her husband are completely engaged in this activity.