- Starting with plates and bowls, she is successfully running four businesses.
- Set an example for the women of the village
By joining self-help groups, rural women are becoming economically empowered and becoming “Lakhpati Didis” (Lakhpati Didis), a source of inspiration for others. Many such women have transformed their fortunes by adopting self-employment with the help of training, government schemes, and small capital. The Lakhpati Didi campaign, run under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihar), is writing a new chapter of self-reliance in the lives of rural women in Chhattisgarh’s Korea district. Mrs. Kanti Sahu, a resident of Talwapara village in the Baikunthpur development block, is a prime example of this. Despite limited resources and difficult circumstances, Kanti not only transformed her own destiny but has also become an inspiration for other women in the village.
- Joining the group and financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh
Kanti Sahu, who comes from a humble farming family, always wanted to start her own business, but a lack of capital had stifled her dream. About three years ago, she joined the Sharda Mahila Self Help Group, along with other village women. Joining the group gave her an understanding of savings and business nuances. Subsequently, she received financial assistance of approximately ₹4 lakh through bank linkage under the Bihan Yojana, the SVEP scheme, and a Mudra loan. This capital gave wings to her dreams.
- Started not one, but several businesses
Taking a risk, Kanti Didi chose diversity instead of relying on a single business. She started several livelihood activities simultaneously: a dona-pattal manufacturing unit, a paddy agricultural seed center, a matching center (textile business), a sewing center, and the strong support of her husband. Kanti Sahu says that throughout this journey, her husband Mahendra Sahu stood by her every step of the way. The couple’s shared hard work and dedication played a major role in overcoming the initial challenges.
- Annual income exceeds 3 lakhs
Today, all of Kanti Sahu’s businesses are running successfully. Currently, these businesses generate a monthly turnover of ₹100,000 to ₹1.5 lakh (approximately $1.5 million USD), earning a net monthly profit of ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 (approximately $1.5 million USD USD). This brings her annual net income to over ₹300,000 (approximately $3 million USD …
- A new example of women empowerment
Along with becoming financially strong, Kanti’s social confidence has also increased. Today, she is not only better able to meet her family’s needs but is also showing other women in the village the path to self-reliance. Kanti Sahu’s success proves that if rural women receive the right guidance, financial support, and opportunities, they can set a new example of women’s empowerment in society.