Manjari Corner

Under the Entrepreneurship Development Program, a total of 75 entrepreneurs participated in the 2 batches of 3 day EDP training at Jhajjar location. Women from our Uthori Jagriti Kala Manch delivered a powerful nukkad natak on women empowerment at Shilpgram and the Fatehsagar Flower Show attended by over one lakh visitors. Our all-girls Manjari Football Club's debuted at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Football League against boys' teams. Kumari Aarti, Goalkeeper, awarded with "Player of the Match" on Day 1 and Kumari Damini named "Player of the Match" on Day 2. A two-day training program was organised at Dariba location focusing on capacity building, teamwork and field skills for the group sakhis. Financial literacy training was conducted in Bhaldia, which included money management, savings, investment strategies, and maintaining income-expenditure balance. Information was also provided about Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

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.