Anupama Singh of village Baniyakheda in Sambhal achieved self-reliance through self-help groups and Panchgavya products. She is earning Rs 2.5 lakh annually from cow products and herbal gulal and is also providing employment to other women.
Lucknow. Anupama Singh of village Baniyakheda, district Sambhal, who once hesitated to step out of her house, has today made a name for herself through the products made by her. After completing her Master of Social Work, Anupama decided to do something different by staying in her village instead of moving towards cities.
When she stepped forward with Janaki Mahila Self Help Group, Panchagavya based products changed the course of her life. Today Anupama is earning around Rs 2.5 lakh annually by making idols, lamps, incense sticks, wall clocks, posts, mobile stands and other products. Along with this, she is also making other women of the village self-reliant by providing them employment. Anupama also prepares herbal gulal, so that people can stay safe from the chemical colors available in the market.
Association with self-help group changed the direction of life
Change started in Anupama’s life after joining Janaki Women’s Self Help Group. The group’s weekly meetings provided a platform for them to learn and grow. Loans became available at low interest, problems started being solved collectively and for the first time they started working on Panchgavya products by taking loan from the group. Repaying loans on time, saving regularly and working with discipline formed the strong foundation of his enterprise.
New identity created from cow products
After receiving training, Anupama started manufacturing products made from cow dung from her home. They started preparing idols, lamps, incense sticks, wall clocks, chowki, mobile stands and herbal gulal. Gradually these products started becoming recognized in the village. Orders started coming from local markets and fairs. Today Anupama is not only working herself, but is also providing employment to other women of her self-help group, which has increased the income of many families.
Technical support received from National Rural Livelihood Mission
The training she received under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) gave Anupama the opportunity to learn modern techniques of processing and packaging. The effect of this was that the quality of their products improved and the demand extended beyond the village to the nearby towns. Today, these cow-based products have become the strong base of his business, earning him a regular income of around Rs 20,000 every month.
Mother cow became the medium of progress and self-reliance
Anupama’s success proves that given the right guidance and opportunity, rural women can convert Panchgavya and traditional resources into modern business. Today Anupama is living a respectable life with her family. From Gram Panchayat to District level, people know him as an example of his work and self-reliance.