Manjari Corner

At Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, awareness programs on Livelihood Skill Development Training and Nutrition Management were conducted in four villages to equip individuals with the knowledge necessary to improve their socio-economic status and adopt healthy practices for a better quality of life. Successfully conducted a two-day Entrepreneurship Development Program training in collaboration with DS Group empowering 30 dedicated women and farmers with knowledge on entrepreneurial mindset, business planning basics, opportunity identification, and local enterprise development strategies. Successfully conducted a workshop on safe living, social media awareness, and cyber safety in collaboration with Kasturba Gandhi Hostel in Bhopal Sagar Members of Tarang and Navchetna Gram Sangathan in Amarpura Panchayat, Rajasthan, presented a comprehensive 10-year perspective plan to the village Sarpanch. The Sarpanch expressed admiration for their confidence and awareness, acknowledging the significant impact of Manjari Foundation's initiatives on women's empowerment in the village.

Weaving Dreams: Rajan Bai's Journey with Bagaj Mata Self-Help Group

In the heart of Narayanpur, a village painted with the hues of tradition and aspirations, a remarkable journey unfolded through the Bagaj Mata Self-Help Group, facilitated by the Manjari Foundation in October 2021.

Meet Rajan Bai Banshkar, a skilled artisan with a passion for crafting bamboo baskets within the confines of her home. While this work brought a modest income to her family, it wasn't significantly enough to support their lives.

Rajan Bai's life took a turn after she became a member of the Bagaj Mata Self-Help Group. Beyond being a group, it was a canvas where dreams found colours, and aspirations took shape. The bamboo baskets, once confined to the corners of her home, were now destined for a bigger stage.

Yet, dreams, no matter how vivid, require fuel to become reality. Rajan Bai, with a vision to expand her craft, faced the hurdle of financial crisis. The SHG, a tight-knit community, stood by her, but the funds were like seeds waiting to sprout.

With patience and hope in eyes, Rajan Bai waited, and about 1.5 years later, the Bagaj Mata Self-Help Group transformed itself totally. A livelihood-based plan, crafted with collective dreams, took centre stage. In March 2023, HDFC Bank Tikamgarh lent its support, providing a loan of INR 153,000 to the group.

Rajan Bai then borrowed INR 18,750 from this financial tapestry to weave her dreams even further. The bamboo baskets underwent a metamorphosis – not just in design but in quality and reach. This was not merely an investment; it was a brushstroke that has started painting a journey towards brighter future.

The canvas expanded beyond Rajan Bai's imagination, but the impact was not confined to her. The Bagaj Mata Self-Help Group created employment opportunities within the village. Rajan Bai started earning monthly income, which is narrating a story of journey of economic empowerment.

In Narayanpur, where tradition meets innovation, the Bagaj Mata Self-Help Group stands tall as a symbol of community empowerment. The village itself echoes the success story of collective dreams stitched with resilience and woven with hope.