Inspiring Journeys of Two Jharkhand Women Entrepreneurs
In the heart of Jharkhand, two women from different backgrounds have carved out remarkable success stories through entrepreneurship, defying odds and inspiring their communities. Anita Devi from Gumla and Yashoda Devi from Khunti, though operating in distinct sectors—homemade pickles and tribal jewellery—share a common narrative of resilience, innovation, and empowerment.
Anita Devi: From Poverty to Prosperity with Natural Pickles
Anita Devi, a native of Bishunpur block in Gumla, faced severe hardships after her inter-caste marriage in 2007. Deserted by family and struggling financially, she and her husband endured extreme poverty, often skipping meals to survive. In 2014, she took a bold step by borrowing Rs 10,000 to form a self-help group (SHG), marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.
Her SHG, now comprising 10 women, produces 14 varieties of pickles using traditional methods without preservatives. Products include mango, amla, jackfruit, mahua, and seasonal mushrooms, all made from natural ingredients. Initially selling at local markets twice a week, Anita's business expanded significantly after joining Palash, an initiative by the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) in 2020.
Today, Anita earns an impressive Rs 30 lakh annually. She has built a concrete house, purchased tractors for her husband, and bought a car. Her children attend good schools, and she actively mentors other women to start their own businesses, becoming a role model in her community.
Yashoda Devi: Preserving Tribal Heritage Through Jewellery
Yashoda Devi, from Murhu in Khunti, turned to her family's ancestral craft of making tribal jewellery to overcome financial struggles. Learning the art from her father, she faced challenges as her family could barely make ends meet. After marrying and moving to Uttar Pradesh, life grew tougher, prompting her return to Jharkhand with her husband.
In 2011, Yashoda revived the family business by forming an SHG, which later partnered with JSLPS. She now manufactures and sells traditional tribal jewellery items such as Hasli, Pachua, Kakna, Mandli, and Bajubandh, made from silver and mixed metals, with prices ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 2,500 per piece.
Based in Hutar but operating from her village, Yashoda's business has flourished, allowing her to establish financial stability and preserve cultural heritage. She credits her success to the family profession, stating it saved her from an uncertain fate.
Common Threads of Empowerment and Growth
Both Anita and Yashoda highlight the transformative power of self-help groups and government support like JSLPS. Their stories underscore:
- Overcoming social and economic barriers through determination.
- Leveraging local resources and traditions to create sustainable businesses.
- Inspiring other women to pursue entrepreneurship and achieve independence.
These narratives from Jharkhand serve as powerful examples of how grassroots initiatives can drive change, fostering economic growth and social upliftment in rural areas.
