Help Rural Women Gain Essential Business Skills

Meet the remarkable woman who is transforming her lives with the Mann Deshi Foundation-

“The human mind is restless and continually wonders, but by sheer willpower one can tame one’s mind which allows you to achieve your dreams. Baby is testament to that.”

“My first job was that of a hospital helper. I earned 300 rupees per month. Unsurprisingly, I found it impossible to sustain my living expenses. I started weaving bamboo baskets. This increased my earnings to 700 rupees per month. I started selling my goods on a bicycle. I decided to start a shop but didn’t have enough capital to start store. So I went to the Mann Deshi bank which issued me a loan of 12000 rupees. I then shifted to selling my products on foot in the morning and spending the rest of the day at my store. I was able to save 500 rupees per month.

I then joined the Mann Deshi MBA programme. I received financial literacy and business management training which explained the principles, benefits and methods of saving, calculation of loan requirements, etc. I opened a food stall near a school that served tea, coffee and vadapav. My daughter in law also helps me at the stall. I got my daughter-in-law educated. I believe that apart from the various courses offered by Mann Deshi, the Mahotsav (producer-consumer festival) it organises is also very important. I earned 17000 rupees at the Mahotsav. I found that my business also grew as I received a lot of orders after distributing pamphlets at the Mahotsav.”-Says Baby.