Stories of the Two Successful Entrepreneurs of SWAS Project

The SWAS (Swavalamban Accelerator in Sundarban) program, a joint venture of Mukti and SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) is opening new horizons for the livelihood of MCDF members. Under this program, training is provided to aspiring women entrepreneurs on various aspects of home-craft. The program fulfills the mutual objective of skill development, financial independence, and promotion of micro-entrepreneurship of rural women. This initiative is not only making them independent and role models for their family but in turn, they become master trainers and then teach an average of three more women which would create a ripple effect.

Mukti is delightfully sharing two success stories of the two trainees who have created a social standing and recognition of women as role models within their community by economic enablement.

On the way to success by eliminating unemployment: Ms. Rakhi Ray

Ms. Rakhi Ray is an educated unemployed youth living with her old father and mother in Uttar Kankandighi under Kankandighi GP of Mathurapur block II, South 24 Parganas. After her graduation, she has been looking for a job. Covid and the subsequent lockdown have shattered her dreams. She has been suffering from deep depression. The pain of not getting a job even though she is educated has been breaking her heart.

At the time of her extreme emotional distress, she comes to know from her neighbors about Mukti and the training that Mukti provides to women for their self-reliance. She feels interested and enrolled her name as MCDF member. From Mukti and SIDBI she learns to make soft toys like teddy bears, dolphins, dogs etc.

Rakhi is now selling her products online and also to her friends, neighbors and relatives. The demand for her products is growing gradually.

She said, “At first I didn’t know how to do it or whether I can. Now I understand that the training is very easy. Everyone can so can me. I didn’t know from where to get the raw materials and that was the biggest challenge. I have received a lot of help from Mukti in this regard. Our trainer went with us and showed us where to buy the raw materials and how to choose the right thing. I am now making and selling my products and for that, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mukti and SIDBI.”

Changing the life of a homemaker: Mrs. Tapoti Ghosh

Mrs. Tapoti Ghosh is an MCDF member of the Kankandighi branch and resides at Kankandighi with her husband, one child and her in-laws. Their family does not survive on the small amount of tuition earned by her husband. In addition, Covid has left with no job opportunities. Despair engulfed them all.

Just at that time, Tapoti comes to know that Mukti is going to organize skill development and job-oriented training programs for the MCDF members. She has been confused about which course to join? The counselor advises her to join the tailoring course.

She said, “I have benefited a lot after doing this course and with it, I have been able to earn. Now I am able to make petticoats and sell them to my neighbors and as well as to some shops. I want more women like me to be trained through this training program and be able to earn. I would like to thank Mukti and SIDBI for making me self-reliant and helping me to live a prosperous life.”

Mukti appreciates the efforts and success of Rakhi and Tapoti. Mukti is proud of SIDBI and hopes that together they will be able to touch the lives of many rural women Sundarban in times to come.